Maculata bamboo
Yushania maculata

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

Yushania maculata is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 5 m (16ft) by 2.5 m (8ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. The flowers are pollinated by Wind. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It cannot tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Height (m): 5

Where it is found

A temperate plant. Grows in pine forests at elevation 1.8-3.5 km.

Native to Asia-temperate: Yunnan and Sichuan, China. Introduces Europe including UK, USA.

Conservation Status: Not Listed

Countries/locations it is found in

Native to Yunnan and Sichuan, China. Europe including UK, USA.

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Young stems. Shoots emerge summer to early autumn. Shoots have pleasant taste and are free of bitterness. Harvested shoots are steamed, cut lengthwise, cleaned and sterilized for 15 minutes in pure or salted boiling water before eating or canning.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

Canes are used as plant supports, they must be properly ripened. The plant makes an attractive hedge or screen, eventually becoming very dense. Erosion Control. Suggested landscape design uses: Ornamental - bluey-green canes and the shape looks like a waterfall of leaves, Architectural, Hedging/Screens, tropical garden effect, Roof terrace. Wildlife Shelter for birds and small mammals. Drought- and wind-tolerant.

How it is grown

Yushania maculata is a large and fast-growing perennial bamboo forming clumps of blue stems with reddish clum sheaths and sparse narrow, glossy green leaves. A temperate plant growing in pine forests 1,800-3,500m above sea level. Canes are 1-2cm diameter and 3-5m high. The Yushania genus are a large group of spreading thornless frost-hardy bamboos. Yushania has long-necked rhizomes that enable the plants to spread further, giving it a semi-running habit under suitable conditions. The name Yushania refers to the mountain 'Yu Shan' of the central mountain range of Taiwan. Yushania maculata has attractive bluey-green canes with the plant shape looks like a waterfall of leaves. pH Range: 5.5 to 6.5. Soil Range: Sandy Loam to Clay Loam. Water Range: Normal to Moist. Drought- and wind-tolerant, it grows up to 3.5m (12ft) in 10 years. Light: Partial Shade, Full Shade, Full Sun but prefers full sun to light shade. It does Poorly in high Heat and high Humid conditions (e.g. southeast USA).

Propagating it: Seed - surface sow as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse at about 20?c. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination usually takes place fairly quickly so long as the seed is of good quality, though it can take 3 - 6 months. Grow on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse until the seedlings are large enough to plant out, which could take a few years. Seed is rarely available. Division in late spring. Best done as the new shoots first appear above ground. Take divisions with at least three canes in the clump, trying to cause as little root disturbance to the main plant as possible. Grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse in pots of a high fertility sandy medium. Mist the foliage regularly until plants are established. Plant them out into their permanent positions when a good root system has developed, which can take a year or more. Basal cane cuttings.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Bamboo

Hardiness: 6-10

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Maculata bamboo, Bamboo

Synonyms

Fargesia maculata (T.P.Yi) Z.Y.Li & D.Z.Fu. Sinarundinaria maculata (T.P.Yi) C.S.Chao.