Heavenly Bamboo, Nandina, Sacred Bamboo
Nandina domestica
Family: Berberidaceae
What it is like
A thick stemmed shrub. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 1.2-1.8 m tall and spreads 90-150 cm wide. The stems are unbranched. They carry large leaves consisting of many narrow segments. The leaves are purplish red when young. Plants are separately male or female. The flowers are white and starry. They have long yellow anthers. The fruit are red berries.
There is only one Nandina species. It can be invasive.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It can tolerate light frosts. It needs rich, moist soils. The soils should be well drained. It suits hardiness zones 7-10. Arboretum Tasmania. In XTBG Yunnan. In Melbourne Botanical Gardens. In Hobart Botanical gardens. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Britain, Canada, China, Europe, Ghana, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Nepal, North America, Pacific, Peru, SE Asia, Slovenia, South America, Tasmania, USA, West Africa, West Indies
How it is used for food
CAUTION: The fruits, seeds, roots and bark contain poisonous alkaloids.
Edible parts
Fruit, leaves
How it is grown
Plants are usually grown from cuttings. A group of plants ensures the best cross pollination. It is difficult to get seed to germinate.
Its other names
Local names
Nan Chu, Nan T'Ien Chu, Perdu bambu suci