Can you ID this bamboo? The culms are around 1-in in diameter. I like how the thicker culms help it not be so floppy but maybe its not the perfect bamboo for us as the leaves seems to start higher up than I would like. But just curious.
If someone could also enlighten me to how to control the roots-mass in a narrow trench (posted my original question here: http://www.bambooweb.info/bb/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=6413) I really would like to decide one way or the other if bamboo is the right application here or not (for hiding the ugly cmu wall.)
looks like Phyllostachys aureosulcata to me also, though it is quite tall for that species. Where in the country was this seen?
If you lightly brush a culm of aureosulcata, as you move your fingers downward it should feel smooth, but when you move your fingers upward it will have a slightly rough feel to it like fine sandpaper. The wax coating of the culm is in a fish-scale pattern that lets your fingers slide down, and give resistance as you slide your fingers up. Good for one or two tests, after a few times, your fingers smooth out the waxy coating, and you can no longer notice the difference.
Most other species of bamboo lack this trait. For instance, atrovaginata culms are very smooth, both directions.
In the Phyllostachys genus at least, of which aureosulcata is a member, young plants/plantings will have branches much lower down; as the grove matures though they will begin on the new growth higher & higher up and end up like what you see. My aureosulcata has no branches for the initial 8' or so. I do not know how true this is as it is not very cold tolerant in my area, but Phy aurea is purported to maintain branches lower than most. Where you are located will be key in you obtaining proper species recommendations suitable to your climate. I suspect other people may suggest Pseudosasa japonica as a good lower screen candidate but not in my climate, it won't do so well here so again where are you for proper advice?
