Arrow bamboo (Pseudosasa japonica)
Pseudosasa japonica, or Arrow bamboo, is a vigorous evergreen forming screens in USDA Zones 6-9. Known for its coarse, dark green foliage.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Pseudosasa japonica, widely recognized as Arrow bamboo, provides dramatic texture and rapid vertical screening for gardeners. This vigorous evergreen grass type is prized for its dense coverage and upright, woody canes that create an immediate structural impact in the landscape. Its glossy, dark green, lanceolate leaves offer year-round visual interest, making it an excellent statement plant.
As a running-type bamboo, Pseudosasa japonica spreads via wide-creeping rhizomes, forming dense thickets that demand consideration regarding placement. While it is highly adaptable and grows vigorously across various soil types, its spreading nature means it may be considered invasive in mid-Atlantic regions. This bamboo is winter-hardy down to -5°F, securing its place as a reliable structural element across many temperate zones.
Gardeners value Arrow bamboo perhaps most for its utility in creating substantial, living barriers or naturalized groves. Whether used formally as a tall hedge or allowed to naturalize freely, the structure provided by Pseudosasa japonica offers privacy and a lush, architectural backdrop to softer plantings.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Poaceae
- Plant Type: Ornamental grass
- Native Range: Japan, Korea
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 12-16 ft
- Spread: 12-25 ft
- Bloom Time: Rarely flowers
- Bloom Description: Green
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Successful establishment of Pseudosasa japonica generally involves planting during the active growing season, ensuring consistent moisture while the root system develops. This tough ornamental grass thrives best when placed in moist, relatively fertile, well-drained soils. While it tolerates full shade remarkably well, the densest growth and best coloration are achieved in locations receiving full sun to partial afternoon shade, especially in very hot summer climates.
Watering requirements are medium; consistent moisture supports the best growth rate, though established Arrow bamboo demonstrates adaptability across various soil conditions. Maintenance is generally considered medium; this plant benefits from thinning established thickets to maintain air flow and display the attractive canes. Be mindful that this species spreads aggressively via rhizomes, necessitating control measures like root barriers if you wish to confine its spread from lawns or neighboring beds.
For gardeners in Zones 6 and 7, applying a root mulch during winter can provide extra insulation and protection against deep freezes, as the plant is hardy only to -5°F. Proper siting, perhaps looking for a slightly sheltered location in cooler zones, will ensure the Pseudosasa japonica remains a vigorous, upright screen for decades.
Landscape Uses
The primary strength of Pseudosasa japonica in the landscape is its ability to form an impressive, dense hedge or screen. Its height—reaching up to 16 feet—and its persistent green color make it highly functional for achieving instant privacy where faster-growing shrubs might take too long. Furthermore, gardeners often grow Arrow bamboo simply for showcasing its impressive structure and rich green foliage near modern architectural elements.
Beyond its practical screening capabilities, this running cane can be utilized in large, controlled areas to naturalize an informal, woodland-edge look. When grown in containers, Pseudosasa japonica serves as a dramatic, upright focal point, though container culture will require diligent watering. When integrating this bamboo into a design, pair it with moisture-loving perennials or broad-leaved evergreens that contrast nicely with its upright, coarse texture.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Pseudosasa japonica, commonly known as arrow bamboo, green onion bamboo or metake, is a vigorous evergreen, running-type bamboo that forms a thicket of woody, hollow, upright culms (often called canes) to 12-16’ tall clad with dense, glossy, coarse, lanceolate, dark green leaves (to 5-13” long by 1 3/4’ wide) which taper to pointed tips. It is native to Japan and Korea, but has escaped planting areas and naturalized in a number of locations in the U.S. The common name of arrow bamboo is in reference to a former use of the hard stiff canes from this plant by Japanese Samurai for arrows.
Tolerances
- Heavy Shade
Potential Problems
Arrow bamboo generally presents no serious insect or disease problems, which adds significantly to its appeal as a low-fuss structural plant. Gardeners should focus primarily on managing its aggressive spreading habit rather than battling pests or pathogens. If control is necessary, employing deep root barriers or routine trenching around the perimeter of the planting area can effectively limit rhizome migration.
If the plant is sited improperly (e.g., too exposed in extreme cold), winter dieback can occur, requiring pruning back damaged canes in spring. Otherwise, keeping the soil consistently moist prevents stress which might otherwise attract opportunistic pests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Arrow bamboo suitable for?
Pseudosasa japonica is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9, although sheltered locations are recommended near the colder end of its range.
How large does Pseudosasa japonica grow?
This bamboo typically reaches mature heights between 12 and 16 feet tall, with a corresponding spread between 12 and 25 feet as it forms its characteristic thicket.
What sun exposure does Arrow bamboo need?
Arrow bamboo performs best in full sun to part shade conditions, though it is noted for tolerating full shade when necessary.
When does Pseudosasa japonica bloom?
Pseudosasa japonica rarely flowers; when it does bloom, the flowers are usually small, non-showy green spikelets.
Conclusion
Pseudosasa japonica remains a top choice for gardeners needing fast, dense vertical screening due to its robust growth and handsome evergreen foliage. The utility of Arrow bamboo as a tall screen or naturalized planting is unmatched by many common shrubs. Before planting, carefully assess your space and consider containment strategies to ensure this vigorous Pseudosasa japonica adapts seamlessly to your managed landscape.
Companion Planting
To balance the tall, rigid lines created by Pseudosasa japonica, consider pairing it with broad-leaved, moisture-loving perennials near the base or in the foreground. Hostas and large-leaf Astilbes thrive in the partial shade that Arrow bamboo often allows, creating a wonderful textural contrast between the coarse, dark green leaves of the bamboo and the softer foliage nearby. In sunny spots, plants that require similar medium water levels, such as various ferns or rodgersias, can create a lush, layered barrier effect.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring is the ideal time for initial planting and applying root mulch in Zones 6 and 7 to support new root development for Pseudosasa japonica. During the summer growing season, focus on consistent watering to support its medium water needs and rapid growth; this is also the best time for any necessary aggressive control measures to manage rhizome spread. Autumn requires little specific care unless hard frosts are anticipated early; ensure the plant is adequately watered before the ground freezes hard for winter preparation. In late winter or very early spring, assess any winter-damaged or dead canes and prune them out to encourage fresh spring growth.
