This is one of the first things, you’ll come across when reading about bamboo. The distinction between the two main bamboo types is an inevitable part of any species description.
So, what bamboo types are there? While there are over a thousand bamboo species, they can be categorized in two broad types: clumping and running bamboo. This classification isn’t the only way you can categorize bamboo species, though. There are cold-hardy, drought-resistant, short, tall bamboos, and many other sorting options.
Each type of bamboo has its own distinguishing characteristics and family of species. The bamboo type that is best to add to your existing plant family will primarily depend on where you live, the look, and max height/diameter bamboo you prefer, and what you ultimately plan to use the bamboo for.
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Clumping vs. Running - What's the difference?
As mentioned above, the two distinct types of bamboo are clumping and running. Each one is named for their unique growing characteristics.
Clumping Bamboo
Clumping (sympodial or pachymorph) bamboo grows just as its name suggests – in large clumps of culms (stems). Shoots go straight up from where you initially plant it.
Depending on the species, these plants will only expand a few inches around the primary roots each year. This makes them ideal for pots as well as in-ground.
Because the rhizomes stay put over long periods of time, clumping bamboo owners never have to worry about the plant spreading or becoming uncontainable.
Their predictable, non-invasive, and “well-behaved” growing nature makes them an appealing choice for individuals looking for a more low-maintenance bamboo.
However, because clumping bamboo grows in mainly one area, its roots are very dense. It is also quite stubborn in terms of growth direction.
If you plan on planting clumping bamboo in natural soil, such as in your backyard, it is recommended that you plant it away from any structures such sidewalks. The strong roots of a clumping bamboo could exert a large amount of pressure when spreading, which could lead to damage.
Running Bamboo
Running (monopodial or leptomorph) bamboo can spread very quickly, just like weeds. If not monitored, their rhizomes will spread out and grow new shoots across long distances. In fact, its roots can travel as far as 100 feet (30 m)!
Their high speed of growth make this type of bamboo ideal for people who want to quickly create a canopy or privacy screen in the backyard. However, this extreme growth rate also makes them quite demanding to manage.
Those interested in planting a running bamboo plant will need to invest in a root barrier, and be dedicated to providing regular upkeep, to keep the bamboo in check.
Genera and Species
Although clumping and running bamboo make up the two main categories of bamboo that people will generally use, we cannot forget about the bamboo genera.
Anyone who has taken a basic science class has been exposed to the hierarchy of biological classification. Often you learn it as a rhyme such as, King Phillip came over for good soup. K, P, C, O, F, G, S…. Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.
This, of course, goes from the largest group (kingdom) to the smallest (species).
Bamboo is part of the family Poaceae, which is the true grass family. The sub-family is called Bambusoideae.
Bamboo has 3 main tribes with 123 genera, each has many subtribes and species. There are over 1,600 bamboo species recorded. With this being said, I will not give you a list of all bamboo genera. You can get a good list here.
These are the most common bamboo genera:
- Phyllostachys (63 species)
- Fargesia (86 species)
- Bambusa (149 species)
- Pseudosasa (20 species)
- Guadua (33 species)
The 3 bamboo tribes are:
- Arundinarieae: Temperate woody bamboo species
- Bambuseae: Tropical woody bamboo species
- Olyreae: Herbaceous bamboo species
For instance, the genus Phyllostachys is of the tribe Arundinarieae and has 63 identified species. One of the common species in Phyllostachys is Edulis Moso. So, to talk about this specific species of bamboo we would call it by its genus and species Phyllostachys Edulis Moso.
Height of bamboos
Obviously, we can also categorize bamboo plants by their height. Tall bamboo types are often used for timber. Some plants are as short as 2-4 inches (5-10 cm), whichis great for groundcovering purposes.
This is how we divide bamboo plants by size:
- Short/Dwarf Bamboo: below 20 ft (6 m), less than 3 ft (1 m) for ground covers
- Medium-sized Bamboo: 20-30 ft (6-9 m)
- Tall Bamboo: Over 30 ft (9 m)
While researching the best bamboo plant for your needs, you’ll see different height indications. This has to do with the growing conditions. Bamboos in planters and cooler climates generally don’t grow to their maximum height. A good rule of thumb is to divide the max. or average height by 2 in order to see what this plant might become.
Climate-related categorization of bamboo
You would think that bamboo cannot withstand cold temperatures because it originates from tropical forests. However, there are quite a few hardy and cold-hardy bamboos. They often derive from mountainous regions.
When deciding what type of bamboo species you want to plant, consider the average low temperatures in your area for the past ten years. The bamboo plant you want will be the one that can tolerate temperatures below those averages.
Most bamboo thrives in warmer climates, so you want to be sure the one you end up planting can sustain itself during colder times of the year.
Also consider the average high temperatures in your area during previous years.
While bamboo can thrive in warmer temperatures, there are some species of bamboo that can suffer from too much heat or direct sunlight. Typically, these bamboos originate from mountainous climates, where they have eventually evolved to brace the cold, rather than heat.
Hardy bamboo species
Hardy bamboo will withstand an averagely cold winter of as low as 5°F (-15°C).
Cold-hardy bamboo species
Just because you are living in USDA Zone 5 or similar, it doesn’t mean that bamboo cannot thrive there.
Cold-hardy bamboo will withstand extremely cold temperatures of as low as -20°F (-28°C).
Tropical & warm climate bamboo
Of course, there are species that prefer warmer climates. Some of them love humidity and some despite it.
When I say “warm climate bamboo”, think USDA Zones 10+. These are the species that cannot do much freezing. They often can handle a cold night or two but not consecutively.
Drought-resistant bamboo species
Some of you may be facing long periods of drought. There are a few bamboo species that can withstand the lack of water.
Choosing your bamboo plant
Ready to introduce a bamboo plant to your home, but still not sure if clumping or running bamboo is best for you? Ask yourself the following questions:
- Can you grow bamboo in your area? Many varieties thrive best in warmer climates, but there are quite a few species that can also survive with less sun exposure. You’ll want to choose a bamboo plant that can survive in your specific environment.
- Do you want to pot your bamboo or plant it in natural soil? Whether or not you want to keep your bamboo in a pot or planter or in the natural soil is a big factor to consider when choosing between a clumping bamboo species or running bamboo species. Clumping bamboo is best for pots, while running bamboo is good for natural soil as long as you have a containment plan.
One Comment
It’s great that you pointed out how each type of bamboo has its own distinguishing characteristics and family of species. I was mowing our lawn yesterday and I noticed that bamboo is actually starting to grow on one corner of our lawn. I don’t think it would look good, so we should probably just ask for a bamboo removal company to take care of it.
https://www.bambooremovaljnb.com/bamboo-removal