Bashania fargesii

Bashania fargesii is a fairly rare species of bamboo with large leaves and an appearance similar to Arrow Bamboo (Pseudosasa japonica), however this species has the strongest canes of any bamboo we have ever come across. Canes one half inch in diameter are nearly impossible to cut with hand pruners and require a saw, where most other species can be cut with loppers until 1-2 inches in diameter. Additionally, they are almost entirely solid. The canes are also very straight with bunches of small branches which are easily removed, so the canes from this species are of excellent harvest value. This is probably equivalent to the very rare and hard to find Pseudosasa amabilis, which is known for its cane strength and is the primary species used for split fly fishing rods, but the cane walls are far thicker than P. amabilis and so has the potential to be even better. In the landscape, Bashania fargesii is one of the best species for growing in windy areas because of its strength and strong roots. It is probably more wind tolerant of any other large bamboo species. However, it is a very fast spreader even in poor soil conditions and so needs to be better contained than other species when planted in the ground. Luckily, this species will grow very well in containers as a patio or hedge plant. Canes also take on a blue-gray color similar to several Borinda species, making it a very attractive plant up close.