Bamboo is often mistaken for a tree, but it is actually a member of the grass family, Poaceae. This fast-growing plant has a complicated status in North Carolina, existing as both a native species and an aggressive introduction. Whether bamboo is native depends entirely on the specific plant being observed. The variety commonly seen in residential landscapes is generally not the original North Carolina species.
Is Bamboo Native to North Carolina
Only one genus of bamboo, Arundinaria, is native to the United States, and its species are found in North Carolina. This native bamboo is commonly known as River Cane and is an original component of the southeastern landscape. However, the vast majority of the tall, dense bamboo stands found in backyards and along roadsides are non-native species, primarily from the genus Phyllostachys. These introduced bamboos, such as Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea), are imports from Asia and are widely cultivated as ornamental plants.
The Ecological Role of River Cane
The native bamboo, River Cane (Arundinaria gigantea), once formed vast, dense ecosystems known as canebrakes along the floodplains and streambanks of the Southeast. These canebrakes covered hundreds of thousands of acres and provided foundational habitat.
River Cane’s extensive root network stabilizes the soil, preventing erosion and filtering sediment from waterways. The canebrakes support a wide variety of wildlife, offering shelter and food for insects, birds, and mammals. The cane also has cultural significance for Native American groups, such as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, who use it for traditional crafts like basket weaving. Today, over 98% of these native canebrakes have disappeared due to agriculture and development, making this native plant scarce in many areas.
Why Introduced Species Cause Problems
The problematic nature of non-native bamboos stems from their aggressive underground growth pattern. Introduced species like Golden Bamboo are “running” bamboos, spreading via long, fast-growing underground stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes can travel great distances beneath the soil surface, sending up new shoots far from the original plant. This contrasts with the native River Cane, which has a more contained, thicket-forming growth habit.
The running rhizomes allow introduced species to rapidly colonize new areas, forming monocultures that choke out native plants. Since these non-native species lack natural predators or diseases in North Carolina, their spread is unchecked. This aggressive root system can also cause substantial property damage, pushing through pavement, cracking foundations, and invading neighboring yards.
Managing Aggressive Bamboo Spread
Homeowners dealing with aggressive, introduced bamboo must focus on containing or eliminating the rhizomes, which are the source of the spread. To contain an existing stand, a specialized physical barrier made of high-density polyethylene is recommended. This barrier should be installed at least 24 to 30 inches deep and must extend a few inches above the soil line to prevent rhizomes from growing over the top.
For existing infestations, repeated mechanical removal is necessary, involving consistently cutting down all above-ground growth. This process starves the underground rhizome system of the energy needed to survive, though it can take multiple seasons to be effective.
Alternatively, a sharp spade can be used twice a year to sever and remove the spreading rhizomes around the perimeter of the stand, a process known as root pruning. Chemical control with a non-selective herbicide, like glyphosate, can also be applied to newly emerging shoots to eradicate persistent growth.