permaculture

[David Neeley <dbneeley@yahoo.com>]

Toby,

There are ample resources on the Internet regarding the
various species of bamboo. The pattern of growth you
suggest is typical of a so-called "clumping" variety of
bamboo...and that is, indeed, relatively easily controlled.

However, the truly invasive species (such as golden bamboo)
can cover a quarter acre in a year. These are among the
"running" kinds of bamboo, that spread through below-ground
rhizomes that can extend a hundred feet or more in a single
season, with new culms sprouting every few inches along its
run.

Running bamboo often forms relatively dense shade
conditions that can and often do cause the death of native
vegetation from lack of sufficient sunlight.

Running bamboo was introduced into the U.S. Southeastern
section perhaps a hundred years ago, and has spread
substantially from there.

As for the kind of ground it prefers, that often depends
upon the type of bamboo...but, in general, any soil that is
friendly to other grasses is fine for bamboo--although in
the hotter regions it may require partial shade.
Propogation is usually from the early spring to the early
summer, while rains are relatively frequent. When the soil
is dry, the spread is slow.

I plan to plant some clumping bamboo varieties myself in
perhaps eighteen months...but I would not wish to deal with
the running varieties for the reasons indicated.

http://www.redwoodbarn.com/bamboofaqs.html
http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/2002/archives/2002/in_the_garden/weeds_and_garden_pests/invasive_bamboo
http://www.invasive.org/eastern/srs/EB.html

These are only a few...there are perhaps hundreds of other
discussions on the subject. 

One reference I don't have at hand at the moment, directed
at those who wish to grow bamboo commercially, suggests
that land which is bordered by hard-surfaced roads is best
for the running varieties due to the difficulties, money,
and labor of containment if the grower must do it.

David





                
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