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Products > Otatea acuminata ssp. aztecorum   Otatea acuminata ssp. aztecorum - Mexican Weeping Bamboo     [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Bamboo Family: Poaceae (Gramineae) (Grasses) Origin: Mexico (North America) Evergreen: Yes Bloomtime: Infrequent Synonyms: [Yushania aztecorum] Height: 15-20 feet Width: Clumping Exposure: Sun or Shade Seaside: Yes Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F Otatea acuminata aztecorum (Mexican Weeping Bamboo) - A gracefully-arching clump bamboo that can reach a maximum height of 20 feet. The canes can grow to a diameter of 1 1/2 inches and are densely clothed with very thin, narrow and long light green leaves lending the plant a soft appearance. Somewhat drought tolerant once established, at least in coastal gardens, but looks best with regular to occasional irrigation. Hardy to 22F and even lower for short durations (took 18° F in 1990 freeze without damage). This bamboo is native to Sonora, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Durango, Nayarut, Jalisco, Michoácan and Guerrero provinces of Mexico. It was introduced into the U.S. from central western Mexico around 1958 by the L.A. Arboretum. San Diego plantsman Bill Teague received a division of it from the Arboretum in 1966 and began propagating it and then distributing it to fellow collectors and nurserymen throughout southern California. We first began growing this plant in 1982 as Yushania aztecorum. These plants flowered in the early 1990's, producing viable seed that produced the plants now in cultivation. According to The Plant List, the collaborative database of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden the plant listed as Otatea acuminata ssp. aztecorum is now correctly back to being called Otatea aztecorum.  This description is based on research and observations of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in our nursery garden and in other gardens that we visit. We also incorporate comments received and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Otatea acuminata ssp. aztecorum.     [MORE INFO]