Phyllostachys aurea

Phyllostachys aurea, or Golden bamboo often has distorted internodes at the base of the culms, sometimes called "tortoise shell" internodes, that are quite ornamental. Young culms are light green with a white node ring, turning yellow over time, especially when exposed to sun. The green leaves are up to 6 inches long and often grow in a fan shape alternately on the hollow stems. Golden bamboo foliage starts lower down the culm than on many other bamboo varieties, so if you want to show off the tortoiseshell pattern, you will need to trim up the foliage. Foliage is evergreen to -18 °C (0 °F)

A rapid grower, Fishpole Bamboo can reach heights of 25 feet tall, but more typically it reaches 10-20 ft tall. In the right conditions, it can grow 2 to 3 feet per year. Phyllostachys aurea is rigidly upright and has very sturdy culms, making it a good summer screen in narrow spaces where cascading foliage would interfere with pathways. Gain a hardiness zone with winter cover (a heavy poly batt, and a layer of light-coloured plastic). Loves Nettle Tea as a fertilizer.

In USDA Climate Zones expect the following mature size culm heights:

• Zone 8 - over 20 feet
• Zone 7- 15 feet
• Zone 6b – 8 feet