CALIFORNIA NURSERYCOT./nc..NILES l CALIFORNIA 
BAMBOO 
A CLASS of plants combining the greatest utility with graceful beauty. In spite of common* 
opinion there is a great diversity of form and appearance from little dwarfs only a foot or 
two tall to those attaining even a hundred feet in their native haunts. With greater appre¬ 
ciation of the individuality of different species they are steadily attaining greater and well- 
deserved popularity. The cut shoots of several species afford splendid material for decoration. For 
this purpose they should be grown in rather dry ground, as they will then keep longer without wilt¬ 
ing after being cut. From an economic point of view the culture of the useful kinds should be 
encouraged, considering the almost innumerable uses to which they can be put. 
Under the common term Bamboo are included Arundinaria, Bambusa, and Phyllostachys. The 
latter genus is easily distinguished by the canes being flattened or grooved on one side and the 
leaf sheaths soon falling. The other two are both characterized by perfectly round stems with 
more or less persistent sheaths, but cannot readily be told one from the other. These characters 
are not repeated in following descriptions, as they are constant and indicated by botanical names. 
NOTE.—Owing - to the fact that the utmost confusion exists regarding the correct names of Bamboos, 
and the fact that so many nurseries, both in America and abroad, have much of their stock misnamed, 
we have given very careful descriptions so that each species may be recognized. Excepting one or two 
recent importations about which there is some slight doubt, we feel certain that we have the correct 
nomenclature according to the best authority on th 
Arundinaria falconeri. Himalayas. 12 ft. This 
species is unique in sending up two kinds of canes; 
one bears flowers and seed, but not leaves; the 
other, leaves only. The latter are most remarkably 
slender, shoots 8 or 10 feet tall having only the 
diameter of a lead pencil at base. Leaves are slen¬ 
der and average four inches long, clear green. 
Branches several at each joint, very narrow. Very 
distinct in appearance. 
A. hindsi. Japan. 10 ft. Of very erect but not 
tall growth. Shoots blue. Leaves very long, narrow 
and stand upright. Makes a dense thicket and is 
not particularly ornamental as a specimen. Fine 
for screens and hedges and well adapted for binding 
earth on banks of streams and ditches. 
A. japonica (Bambusa metake). ARROW BAM¬ 
BOO. Japan. 10 ft. Notable among the Arundin- 
arias for its very large leaves, sometimes as much 
as a foot long and two inches wide. Canes slender 
and very erect, almost completely covered with the 
overlapping sheaths, which are slightly bristly. 
Very ornamental and has economic value. When 
well established, yields an abundance of straight, 
strong canes of great value to florists and gardeners. 
A. simoni. Asia. 20 ft. At first of rather low 
growth, but as clumps attain strength the canes 
increase in height until maturity. Leaves are very 
long, rather slender and sometimes striped white. 
The back of the leaf is peculiarly colored; three- 
quarters glaucous, one-quarter green, divided 
lengthwise. Canes very useful for light stakes. 
Bambusa aureo-striata (B. “Alphonse Karri'’). 
Japan. 10 ft. Very distinct. The canes are at 
first pink, later changing to yellow, but always 
conspicuously striped lengthwise with green bands. 
Branches very numerous at joints, almost verticil- 
late. Leaves are small and sometimes striped, ar¬ 
ranged in two rows. 
B. fastuosa. 20 ft. Magnificent Bamboo of ex- 
tremely strong and erect growth. When plants are 
well established the canes spring up straight as 
spears; when sheaths fall the canes are deep green, 
with very heavy, glaucous bloom; this color later 
changes to purple, then gradually ripens, where ex¬ 
posed to sun, into a beautiful, polished mahogany- 
brown. Entirely different from other sorts. The 
branches are numerous, stiff and very short. Leaves 
dark green with yellow blotches when old; large 
on ends of canes, much smaller on branches. The 
falling leaf sheaths are particularly beautiful, being 
as smooth as glass inside and stained brilliant 
purple. 
subject. 
Phyllostachys quilioi 
See page 70 
B. palmata. Japan. 8 ft. Remarkable for its 
very large leaves, often over a foot long and three 
or four inches broad. Canes usually three to five 
feet, but sometimes taller; rather stout. Entirely 
distinct in appearance. 
69 
