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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Chimonobambusa quadrangularis is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 3 m (9ft 10in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Arundinaria quadrangularis. Bambusa angulata. B. quadrangularis. Tetragonacalamus quadrangularis.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Shoots Stem
Edible Uses:

Young shoots - cooked. An excellent relish. The canes are up to 20mm in diameter[K].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Hedge Hedge Plant support Wood

The canes make good plant supports and are excellent material for handicrafts[195]. Can be grown as a hedge or screen[200].

Special Uses

Hedge Hedge

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a good loamy soil. Succeeds in most soils so long as they do not dry out. Dislikes drought. Prefers a position sheltered from cold north and east winds. Plants are only reliably hardy in the mildest areas of Britain. Another report says that the plants are generally hardy, although severe winters may damage the leaves the plant itself can withstand temperatures down to about -15°c[200]. The square bamboo is cultivated for its edible stems in China and Japan. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Plants only flower at intervals of many years. When they do come into flower most of the plants energies are directed into producing seed and consequently the plant is severely weakened. They sometimes die after flowering, but if left alone they will usually recover though they will look very poorly for a few years. If fed with artificial NPK fertilizers at this time the plants are more likely to die[122]. The rootstock is running but it does not produce many new shoots and is not overly invasive[195]. The plant is rampant in its native range and other warm temperate areas, but it does not spread much in colder areas such as Britain[200]. The shoots are wide spaced and are produced from late May. Canes can be snapped off the plant. A plant at Trebah gardens in Cornwall had new shoots 3 metres long in mid-April 1995[K].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - surface sow as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse at about 20°c. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination usually takes place fairly quickly so long as the seed is of good quality, though it can take 3 - 6 months. Grow on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse until large enough to plant out. Seed is rarely available. Division in spring as new growth commences. Take divisions with at least three canes in the clump, trying to cause as little root disturbance to the main plant as possible. Grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse in pots of a high fertility sandy medium. Mist the foliage regularly until plants are established. Plant them out into their permanent positions when a good root system has developed, which can take a year or more[200]. Basal cane cuttings. Rhizome cuttings.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Anhui Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Hunan Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng (south), Jiangxi Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng), Japan, Taiwan

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Other
Chimonobambusa marmorea	Kan-Chiku	Bamboo	1.5	5-9	F	LMH	SN	M	1	3
Chimonobambusa pachystachys	Thorny Bamboo	Bamboo	5.0	-		LMH	SN	M	1
Chimonobambusa purpurea		Bamboo	5.0	-		LMH	SN	M	1	2
Chimonobambusa szechuanensis		Bamboo	5.0	-		LMH	FSN	M	1	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Chimonobambusa quadrangularis - (Fenzi.)Makino.