ID#5 - Phyllostachys nigra 'Henon'

[glenn smith]

Bought in 1 gallon pot as "running bamboo"; three years old. Culms look almost like another nigra, but the leaves are smaller. Very bushy plant.

glenn

[Mark Meckes]

Hi glenn,
It could be Phyllostachys nigra 'Henon', depending also whether the culms remain green on their second year or change to, or develop black/brown hues.
Check when the sheaths drop off, and see if there's a ring of fuzz around the node sheath scar as shown on this fresh new culm of Phyllostachys nigra:

http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/data/527/medium/P-nigraAuTX050506-253.jpg (http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/showphoto.php?photo=1080)

Also check the new culm surface, after the sheaths fall off to see if they have a slight velvety feel to the touch.
This wears off by their second year.

Secondary leaf growth of all P. nigra species grow smaller, and as the bamboo grows to maturity, new culms also grow new leaves that are smaller than some other Phyllostachys species.

Mark

[glenn smith]

I guess the good news is I'll have ground space for some new species next year(I purchased a Moso and a Shimofuri today). I'm winding up with Henon up the wazzoo!
I noticed a new nitida at the nursery today called "Red Fountain". I was tempted but @ $79.00 for a six-inch pot I shied away for now.

glenn

[Mark Meckes]

Gulp :eek:
F. nitida 'Red Fountain' - AKA- "Falling Bank Account/In The Red" ;)