photos copyright: Ned Jaquith 2000
A large grove of P. vivax in central California.

photos copyright: Noah Bell, Bamboo Garden 2011
raised berm and pruning trench around a P. vivax.

photo copyright: Noah Bell, 2006
Colorful sheath blades on new P. vivax shoot

photos copyright: Noah Bell, Bamboo Garden 2011
Tree frogs are about the only animals able to climb bamboo! Suction cup appendages. Found this little guy on a P. vivax cane.

 

Phyllostachys vivax
Common name: Chinese Timber Bamboo

Maximum Height: 60-70 feet
Usually only 40 to 45 feet 
Maximum Diameter: 5 inches
Hardiness: -5° F
USDA Zone recommended 6 through 10

Phyllostachys vivax is one of the hardiest timber bamboo. In most circumstances P. vivax will mature to 45 feet in height, with 3-4 inch diameter canes, but if given ideal conditions in SE USA, or China and Japan, it can grow to 70 feet and 5 inches in diameter. This may be the largest hardy bamboo growing in the Pacific Northwest along with P. edulis Moso. It has grown over 4 inches in diameter in Oregon and has been present in this area for over 100 years. This Phyllostachys is usually the quickest to attain large size in the PNW. The thin walled culms are not especially strong, but are very decorative and can be used for many craft or decorative projects, but not recommended for building grade material. Shoots from this bamboo are among the best eating, and are prolific in the late spring.  Often the new shoots emerge in mid to late May, depending on the weather pattern and soil temperature. Even though this bamboo is very large, it can still be contained using the root pruning techniques we recommend. Unlike most bamboos, P. vivax can achieve large size  and diameter in a relatively small area, as seen on the image to the left.  This bamboo is over 30 feet tall and is growing on a raised berm that is less than 30 feet in circumference.  A miniature grove has formed a very effective vertical screen.
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  photos copyright: Noah Bell, Bamboo Garden 2011
Pruning trench for rhizome control.  Even very large bamboos such as P. vivax can be effectively controlled using tried and true root pruning techniques.          

  photos copyright: Ned Jaquith 2002
Teresa standing among P. vivax, new shoots on left, older culms
 on right.