Phyllostachys edulis

Also Known As

Phyllostachys pubescens
Moso Timber Bamboo

Plant type

bamboo

size

H: 40'-80'
W: 10'-200'

planting zones

7a-10b

More Options

Phyllostachys edulis plant details

Phyllostachys edulis is an evergreen bamboo with green foliage. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Phyllostachys edulis

Plant type: bamboo
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 10 FT - 200 FT - wide, 40 FT - 80 FT - tall
Uses: tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Phyllostachys edulis

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer, rabbit and snail / slug, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The largest of the temperate timber bamboo species, Phyllostachys edulis (Moso) is capable of reaching heights greater than 75 feet with canes six inches in diameter in warm climates. Areas with cool summers, such as the Pacific Northwest, generally see Moso groves mature far more slowly and at smaller sizes, though still impressive. In China, Moso forms extensive bamboo forests from which large quantities of edible shoots and poles are harvested. In fact, Moso is the primary species from which bamboo wood products, such as flooring, are manufactured from.

Moso is a much stronger, although slower to establish, species to other popular timber bamboo species such as Phyllostachys vivax.

Identification

Moso is actually one of the easiest bamboo species to identify. Young plants have very large leaves, while mature plants have tiny leaves compared to other members of the Phyllostachys genus. Phyllostachys can be identified by having a sulcus groove above each branch set, and branches sprout from each node with one large and one smaller branch. Additionally, the young canes and leaves of Moso are fuzzy like a peach skin, uncommon for most other species. Phyllostachys aureosulcata and varieties have tiny hairs on their canes that make them rough to the touch, but the hairs are stiff and not at all soft like on Phyllostachys edulis plants.

Tips for Growing

Moso is one of the slower Phyllostachys species to establish, partly because it often tends to produce shoots heavily and then lightly in alternating years. It has often been observed that unusually cold winters tend to increase shooting the following spring, which might break the alternating year cycle (however the plant grows the best in the southern states where cold winters are uncommon). Additionally, Phyllostachys edulis appreciates water and high quality soil, so amend the area well before planting and water this species more heavily than other bamboos, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season (but not soggy).

By: Red Panda Nursery

The largest of the hardy timber bamboos. Stunning timber bamboo once established.

By: Tejas Tropicals

Garden photo gallery of Phyllostachys edulis

Photo of Phyllostachys edulis grove by Red Panda Nursery

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By: Red Panda Nursery

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Photo of Phyllostachys edulis shoots by Tejas Tropicals

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By: Tejas Tropicals

Gardening facts about Phyllostachys edulis plant

How to Grow Phyllostachys edulis

Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly sun
Water Needs
- even moisture - regular
Soil Needs
- adaptable
- well-drained
- rich
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- humidity tolerant
- verticillium wilt resistant