Question: How can I eradicate my golden bamboo patch?
By Camille Keely, Piedmont Master Gardener Intern
Golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea), also known as fishpole or running bamboo, is one of the most common types of non-native bamboo in Virginia. Originating in China, it was introduced into the U.S. in 1882 and is often used as privacy fencing and/or noise barrier. A fast growing and an aggressive spreader, it is on the Virginia Invasive Plant Species List and poses a threat to Virginia’s forests, native grasslands, and wetlands. It is considered invasive throughout Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern U.S.
As the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation notes, “invasive plants proliferate and displace native plant species, reduce wildlife habitat and alter natural processes. They also impose serious costs on our economy, which depends on benefits provided by nature.” The Virginia Cooperative Extension reports that invasive (non-native) species present the greatest threat to natural systems, agriculture and aquaculture after development and habitat conversion. In fact, damage from these species cause $138 billion in losses in the U.S. each year.
Golden bamboo is a perennial reed-like woody plant of the Grass family (Poaceae). Its green to gold hollow canes are one to six inches in diameter with solid joints and it can grow 30 feet or more in height. Bushy lance-like leaves without lobes form fan-like clusters at the top of the canes and branches form at the joints. It can be easily identified by the stacked rings on the joints at the lower portion of the canes. Although it thrives in full sunlight, it also grows well in recently disturbed areas, young forests and along roads. The bamboo spreads by sending out thick, tough rhizomes (stems) right below the soil surface up to 100 feet from the mother plant.
Control Methods
There are two types of bamboo: clumping and running. The clumping varieties spread slowly and are relatively easy to control by removing new shoots at the soil surface and digging up the clumps. Running bamboo, like the golden bamboo, spreads more aggressively by underground rhizomes and resists unfavorable growing conditions and herbicides. It requires intensive and repeated efforts to eradicate because even small pieces of the rhizomes left underground will cause the bamboo to grow back again.
Mechanical Methods
For small infestations, mechanical methods can work well, particularly if several methods are used in combination.
- Manually hand pull up or dig up all the rhizomes and seedlings. Avoid breaking off the canes because plants can resprout from the broken stems. Pull up rhizomes in the spring when the soil is moist for the best chance of getting all the roots.
- Cut or mow plants as close to the ground as possible. Repeat several times throughout season until energy reserves in the rhizomes are depleted.
For larger infestations, a more aggressive and labor-intensive treatment is needed.
- Use large equipment including bulldozers and skidsteers to push over and pull up canes and rhizomes. Since large scale soil disturbance will stimulate the bamboo to regrow, additional treatment will be necessary. Bamboo has the ability to regrow from a single node. Avoid bulldozing bamboo where blackbird species roost due to respiratory illnesses caused by bird droppings.
- Use a physical barrier to contain the bamboo. Plastic, concrete, metal barriers or pressure treated wood installed 22-30 inches deep in the ground can restrict bamboo to a confined area. Most barriers will deteriorate over time and will need to be replaced to prevent the bamboo from regrowing.
For both small and large infestations, be sure to remove all bamboo plant matter from the area. Dry it for use as plant stakes or trellises, burn it or dispose of it in a landfill that accepts bamboo as yard waste. Removal may need to be performed over a number of years (depending on the size of the infestation) in order to completely eradicate it.
Chemical Methods
Herbicide use should be the treatment of last resort and should be carefully planned and executed. Consult the Virginia Cooperative Extension 2024 Pest Management Guide for recommendations on the appropriate chemical, timing and application method to eradicate bamboo. The recommended method (foliar spray, cut stem or soil surface option) depends on the size of infestation. Be careful in applying any non-selective herbicide because it could harm desirable plants nearby and pollute local waterways. Follow label instructions when applying any pesticide. Remember that the label is the law.
Alternatives to Bamboo
Native plants can make excellent replacements for a stand of bamboo. Adapted to the local soils and growing conditions, they require less water and fertilizer once established, provide food and shelter for wildlife and support healthy ecosystems. Choose from a wide variety of native evergreens, deciduous shrubs and ornamental grasses suitable for privacy screens and noise barriers. Search Virginia native plant lists and databases for good alternatives for bamboo for your specific site and needs.
Learn More About Invasive Plants
Prevention is key to controlling the spread of invasive plants. Like golden bamboo, once established, other invasive plants can be difficult to remove and control. Don’t purchase, propagate or plant invasive plants to prevent harmful impacts on your landscape and surrounding natural areas. In Central Virginia, gardeners can educate themselves and others by learning about early detection and distribution of invasives and using invasive plants ID cards to identify common invasives and distinguish them from look-alikes. Factsheetsfrom Blue Ridge Prism provide practical guidance on invasive plants, including habitat, identification and control. Piedmont Master Gardener YouTube videos also provide tips on identifying common invasive plants. Be a good steward of the environment – plant native plants and avoid using invasive plants in your landscape.
Featured Image Source: University of Maryland Cooperative Extension
References
“Bamboo Control”, Judy, Morgan E, Former Extension Agent and Williamson, Joey, HGIC Horticulture Extension Agent, Clemson University, Clemson Cooperative Extension, Home and Garden Information Center, HGIC 2320, 16 Jul 2021.
“Bamboo (Bambusa, Phyllostachys, & Pseudosasa spp.)”, Invasive Plant Factsheet, Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, Virginia Tech, Virginia Cooperative Extension.
“Combating Invasive Species”, Timely Topic, Piedmont Master Gardeners, 11 Apr 2024.
“Containing and Removing Bamboo” University of Maryland, University of Maryland Extension, 14, Dec 2022.
“Forest Pests, Invasive Plants and Pests of Maryland”, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Forest Service, Publication # – 02-7192012-588, 1 Aug 2012.
“Plants for Mixed Privacy Screens”, Carignan, Christa K, Horticulturalist, University of Maryland, University of Maryland Extension, Home and Garden Information Center, 13 Feb 2024.
“Phyllostachys aurea (Golden Bamboo, Fishpole Bamboo)”, Invasive Species Leaflet, North Carolina Forest Service, No. 10, Mar 2010.
“Virginia Invasive Plant Species List”, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage, 1 Jan 2024.
