Simon bamboo
Pleioblastus simonii
Family: Poaceae
What it is like
A bamboo. It grows 6 m tall. It has several leafy branches at each node. The leaves are 30 cm long. The shoots are 2 cm across.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Britain, China, Europe, Japan
How it is used for food
It is best to change the water at least once during cooking to remove bitterness.
Edible parts
Shoots
How it is grown
It takes 5-10 years to reach maximum height.
Its other names
Local names
Kawa take, Me dake
Synonyms
Arundinaria simonii (Carrier) Riviere & C. Riviere; Bambusa simonii Carriere; Nipponocalamus simonii;