Britt Slattery, USFWS

Exotic Bamboos
Bambusa, Phyllostachys and Pseudosasa species

Several kinds of exotic invasive bamboos have been introduced from various countries (Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean) primarily for use as ornamentals and for privacy fences. Many are vigorous growing plants that quickly spread beyond their original planting site through underground stems (rhizomes) and resprouting from cut stems. Planting exotic bamboos should be avoided or measures taken to prevent spread (e.g., containerizing planting with underground barriers). A native bamboo -- giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea) -- occurs in the southeastern states up to southern Maryland and should not be confused with the exotic invaders.

Prevention and Control
Be sure to correctly identify plants before removing. Most bamboos are easily controlled by combining cutting to the ground in June with a fall application of glyphosate to any re-growth, and a repeat application two weeks later.

Native Alternatives
big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), bottlebrush grass (Elymus hystrix), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans)

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Publication by USFWS BayScapes Conservation Landscaping Program
http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/bamb.htm
Last updated: 7 October 2004