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How to ID type of bamboo from above ground?

SalixGoldSalixGold Posts: 450
in Problem solving
Is there a way of telling whether bamboo is likely clump-forming or running, without looking at the roots system? There is some in a hedge and on the neighbour's side of the fence. I can't dig down to look at the root systems.


Thanks

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited June 2023
    @SalixGold Runners have a ridge in the culm clumpers are smooth and round.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • SalixGoldSalixGold Posts: 450
    edited June 2023
    Thanks. This site seems to suggest that both types have ridged culms






  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    There is a definite ridge on a runner. You can see the same marks on a clumper but they are smooth. The culms on clumpers are perfectly rounded.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Sam 37Sam 37 Posts: 1,271
    I think nurseries themselves appear to have some difficulty with that.  Years ago, I bought a pot of "clumping" bamboo.  Soon it showed its desire to spread its wings.  I tried getting rid of it but that's really hard work; so, we got a handyman to do it for us! It proved a bit of a pricey mistake.
  • SalixGoldSalixGold Posts: 450
    edited June 2023
    GardenerSuze said:
    There is a definite ridge on a runner. You can see the same marks on a clumper but they are smooth. The culms on clumpers are perfectly rounded.

    It took me a while to figure it out, but I got there. I initially thought you meant the node ridges (laterally) were smooth. But in fact running bamboo has a deep indentation  along the  length of the culm, from root to tip. (It swaps from side to side). Clumpers don't have any indent. This is how to ID which is which. I don't know if this always holds, as there are so many thousands of species, and if juvenille plants are different. But I see online that it's a pretty good guide. And handy to know. Thanks for the lead.




    ---
    The indent is clear on the right, indicating that this type is running and will spread widely.




  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited June 2023
    @SalixGold Sorry I couldn't explain it any better, I was aware it was ambiguous. It is something I was told a very long time ago .
    We have recently had our property surveyed  it was pointed out that there is Bamboo in our garden[Fargesia] and in surrounding gardens too.
    If you type in 'Longstems on Bamboo'   there is more info.I do know there are some concerns regarding Black Bamboo which could become an issue in warmer wetter winters.
    I think the two words are 'stay vigilant'.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @SalixGold One last thought you can split a runner bean cane in half length wise. I assume this would be running bamboo. If you look at a stem of clumping bamboo there is no place that it can split.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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