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Newly introduced from nurseries in Europe (originally from Anji and Zhejiang provinces in China), this bamboo is hoped to be a good option for large timber bamboo in colder climates. Like Moso, the leaves are small which should give it a similar appearance, though it is more closely related to P. atrovaginata than Moso. The new culms are dark green with a bright white ring under the node. The culm sheaths are a light brown, sometimes somewhat reddish, with light vertical striation. The last photo is from page 138 of A Compendium of Chinese Bamboo, showing the beauty of these shoots. It shoots moderately early and the shoots are of excellent flavor. It is in the heteroclada section of the Phyllostachys, which can be confirmed by the closeup of the new shoot. This suggests that it will be tolerant of heavy and wet soils as are other bamboos in that section. Experience in Europe suggests it may be hardier even than aureosulcata and bissetii. It is the largest bamboo in the garden of Jos Van der Palen at http://www.kimmei.com.
NOTE: A Bamboo Compendium is not printed in the United States, but you can order it from Bamboo Garden. It shows a mature grove of P. parvifolia growing in its native habitat, Anji and Zhejiang provinces.
