Big plants heading

Incense bamboo

Phyllostachys atrovaginata
Formerly P. congesta

Height: 35′
Diameter: 3+”
Cold Resistance: -10
Light: Sun to partial shade

Called “Incense” because the canes are supposed to have an incense smell when scratched. I’ve never been able to smell anything. This bamboo is one of my favorites. I like the very erect canes that are sort of stocky looking. The shoots are supposed to be good to eat with very little bitterness. This is the most cold hardy “giant bamboo” which makes it very popular.

 

Incense bamboo showing off its cold hardy traits in the snow.

Incense Bamboo

An incense bamboo shoot.