Pseudosasa japonica flowering

[Mark Meckes]

These photos of Pseudosasa japonica were taken at Jefferson Island Louisiana - March 5, 2006.
They're out of focus, but best of pics :(

http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/data/762/thumbs/PsJapJILA060305-1735.jpg (http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/showphoto.php?photo=3302) http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/data/762/thumbs/PsJapJILA060305-1733.jpg (http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/showphoto.php?photo=3301) http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/data/762/thumbs/PsJapJILA060305-1732.jpg (http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/showphoto.php?photo=3300)

Pseudosasa japonica was one of the first bamboo species introductions into the US, possibily sometime in the late 1800's.
As a result there are probably numerous clones of this species in the US.
In addition, because this species can produce flowering culms while other culms in the planting may not flower, enables this species to survive the flowering period. ... at least this is what I have observed in some long established plantings.

I have not noticed any flowering of my own planting of this species but will keep a watchful eye ;)

Mark

[vinniedriver]

Mine isn't showing any signs either. I'll be taking a closer look at it every day from now on though.
Edit: See this thread Pseudosasa japonica shooting (http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1935)

[Paula Caria artesanatos]

:) :) :) Hi,
I was wondering how tall it will grow?!?

[Mark Meckes]

Sometimes when a bamboo begins to flower, the first flowering culms can grow as tall as the previous years non-flowering culms, though each species has it's own quirkiness, and it's growing condition can affect the size and height of the flowering culms.
What I've noticed with monopodial, temperate, running bamboos is that after the first year, the flowering culms die, and this causes the eye buds in the rhizomes to awaken .... the result being a flush of new, smaller size flowering shoots the following years ...

[Mr.Madake]

I have seen Pseudosasa japonica get to over 23ft (closer to 25ft) both in Japan, and here in Victoria BC when it starts sucking nutrition from a lawn or loamy area.. it is also highly agressive as a smaller bamboo. I'd say 18ft is rather conservative. Z6 it is rated for 8-9ft.

[Mark Meckes]

Some posts have been copied to this new thread for continued discussion
How tall does your Pseudosasa japonica grow? (http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2122)

Mr Madake, have you seen any P. japonica flowering in Canada?

Mark

[Mr.Madake]

nope, not yet.
My Psudosasa Japonica seem to be growing rather normally. I'll keep my eyes open for any flowering.