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| Category: Bamboo |
| Family: Poaceae (Gramineae) (Grasses) |
| Origin: China (Asia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Synonyms: [Tetragonocalmus-angulatus, T. quadrangularis] |
| Height: 12-20 feet |
| Width: Running |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 10-15° F |
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Chimonobambusa quadrangularis (Square Bamboo) A medium sized running bamboo from China that grows erect to 15 to 20 feet tall with 1 to 1 1/2 inch wide dark green to gray-green rough textured culms. The attractive large mid-green leaves (darkest in the shade) appear in the second year of growth and drape gracefully downward in an umbrella shape from several levels of branches near the top of the culm. The thick walled culms are unique in that they are flattened on opposite sides to form a rounded corner yet square shape overall when transected, giving this plant the common name Square Bamboo. Another interesting feature is the large culm joint nodes which are rough to the touch with thorn like nubs that become spine like air roots near the culm base. Plant in full coastal sun to light shade and irrigated regularly to occasionally. Plants in hotter climates or if not regularly watered will drop leaves – in our cooler coastal garden we water it well about once every 3 to 4 weeks spring through fall. The American Bamboo Society states that this plant is hardy to 15 F but others say to 10 F. Reportedly tolerates sea breezes with some protection. We purchased a plant at a American Bamboo Society sale planted it our nursery garden in the mid 1980's – we now have a large stand that we have contained to an area 40 feet long by 15 feet wide with culms emerging annually 20 feet off to any side which are cut to the ground. A beautiful bamboo but it should be contained by a full depth root barrier or by selective irrigation that surrounds the desired area of the planting with a wide unirrigated section. The stout culms can be used for many purposes and the new shoots are edible.
The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens in the Santa Barbara area. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information about this plant, even if they disagree with what we have written.
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