Arrow Bamboo Pseudosasa japonica
ABOUT
Pseudosasa japonica, commonly known as arrow bamboo, is a visually striking plant characterized by its lush, green foliage and distinct cane-like stems. The leaves of this bamboo variety are elongated and narrow, with a pointed tip resembling the head of an arrow, hence its common name. These leaves are a vibrant green color, offering a dense, leafy display. The stems, or culms, are sturdy and typically a greenish-yellow hue, which may appear segmented due to the presence of nodes along their length. As with many bamboo species, the stems grow closely together, forming a tight cluster that can create a screen or hedge-like appearance. The arrow bamboo's overall demeanor is both elegant and robust, providing an Asian flair to the landscape where it is planted. Its evergreen nature ensures year-round visual interest, and its tall, straight growth habit adds vertical drama to any garden space without reference to specific measurements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae.
Synonyms
Arrow Bamboo, Japanese Arrow Bamboo, Metropolitan Bamboo, Japanese Bamboo, Green Pseudosasa.
Common names
Arundinaria japonica, Bambusa metake, Arundinaria metake.
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name of Pseudosasa japonica is Arrow Bamboo. Arrow Bamboo is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning or harmful effects from ingesting this plant. Therefore, accidental ingestion is unlikely to cause any symptoms of poisoning.
To pets
Arrow Bamboo is not recognized as a toxic plant to pets. It does not contain known toxic compounds that would cause poisoning in animals such as cats and dogs. Consequently, ingestion of this plant should not lead to any significant symptoms of poisoning or adverse health consequences for pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
10 feet [3 meters]
Spread
10 feet [3 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Arrow bamboo adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its tall, slender canes and lush green foliage.
- Privacy Screen: When planted in rows, it can provide an effective visual barrier for privacy or to block unsightly views.
- Windbreak: The dense growth habit of arrow bamboo can help protect areas from strong winds.
- Sound Barrier: The rustling leaves and dense clumps can help to absorb sound, reducing noise pollution.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion.
- Fodder: It can be used as feed for livestock, although it's not commonly used in this manner in all regions.
- Craft Material: The canes can be harvested and used for making furniture, garden stakes, and crafts.
- Habitat: It provides shelter and food for a variety of wildlife including birds and insects.
- Shade Provider: Its dense foliage can create shaded areas in gardens, which can be beneficial during hot weather.
- Culinary Uses: Although not the primary purpose, young shoots of some bamboo species are edible, but caution should be exercised to ensure safe consumption.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: Pseudosasa japonica contains compounds with potential antioxidant properties, which may help combat oxidative stress within the body.
- Anti-inflammatory: Traditional uses suggest that the plant may possess anti-inflammatory properties, providing relief from inflammation-related issues.
- Antimicrobial: Certain extracts from Pseudosasa japonica have been reported to exhibit antimicrobial effects against various pathogens.
- Anti-cancer: Some preliminary research indicates that extracts from this bamboo species may have anti-cancer properties that could inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pseudosasa japonica, commonly known as arrow bamboo, can be used to create garden barriers or privacy screens due to its dense and fast-growing clumps.
- The strong canes of arrow bamboo may be harvested and utilized in constructing furniture or crafting garden ornaments.
- Arrow bamboo can be used as a sound barrier because its thick growth can help dampen noise pollution.
- Culinary artisans might use the hollow culms of arrow bamboo to make unique utensils, such as chopsticks or skewers for cooking.
- Textile artists can incorporate arrow bamboo fibers into weaving projects to create durable fabric or mats.
- In regions where arrow bamboo grows, it can be employed in erosion control, stabilizing soil on hill slopes and riverbanks.
- Arrow bamboo’s dense foliage can be used as a windbreak, protecting smaller plants in gardens from strong winds.
- Due to their length and strength, the canes of arrow bamboo are ideal for creating long-handled tools or poles for various agricultural or gardening purposes.
- In craftwork, the outer skin of arrow bamboo can be used as a natural veneer for decorative items or inlay work.
- Arrow bamboo shoots are edible when properly prepared, offering a seasonal delicacy in many Asian cuisines.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiArrow Bamboo is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityArrow Bamboo is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Arrow Bamboo, being a hardy and vigorous grower, symbolizes the ability to bounce back and endure difficult conditions.
- Flexibility: Its canes are strong yet flexible, representing the need to be adaptable in life while retaining one's inner strength.
- Growth: As Arrow Bamboo grows quickly and spreads, it symbolizes personal growth and the expansion of one's horizons.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, bamboo is believed to bring good fortune and wealth; thus Arrow Bamboo can be a symbol of prosperity.
- Serenity: The gentle rustling of Arrow Bamboo leaves is thought to induce relaxation and peace, making it a symbol for tranquility and calmness.
WaterArrow bamboo should be watered deeply and allowed to dry out partially before the next watering. This usually means watering once a week, although the frequency may increase in hot or windy weather. It's preferable to provide a gallon or more per plant each time, ensuring that the soil is moist but not saturated. Monitoring the top inch of soil between waterings can guide you to understand when the plant needs more water as conditions change seasonally.
LightArrow bamboo thrives in conditions with partial shade to full sun. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade, which shields it from the harshest rays of the day. If placed indoors, it should be near a window that receives plenty of bright, indirect light to mimic its natural growing conditions.
TemperatureArrow bamboo prefers temperatures between 50°F and 80°F, which are ideal for its growth. The plant can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 0°F, but the foliage may suffer in extreme cold. To thrive, it should not be exposed to temperatures above 95°F, as this can stress the plant.
PruningArrow bamboo benefits from pruning to maintain its shape, remove dead or yellowing canes, and encourage new growth. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before new shoots emerge. Pruning can be done once a year or as needed to control size and remove old canes.
CleaningAs needed
SoilArrow bamboo prefers a well-draining soil mix that can retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. A blend of two parts loam, one part peat, and one part sand is often recommended for optimal growth. Maintain soil pH between 5.5 to 6.5 for the healthiest plant.
RepottingArrow bamboo should be repotted every two to three years to prevent it from becoming root-bound and to replenish its soil with nutrients. When repotting, choose a slightly larger pot to accommodate growth.
Humidity & MistingArrow bamboo thrives at a humidity level of around 40-60%. If indoor air is dry, providing a pebble tray or occasional misting can help maintain these humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Arrow bamboo in bright, indirect light and protect from drafts.
Outdoor
Grow Arrow bamboo in partial shade and sheltered from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
6-10 USDA
Life cycleArrow Bamboo (Pseudosasa japonica) begins its life as a seed, germinating in favorable conditions of moisture and warmth to produce a small seedling. The seedling then grows into a juvenile plant, developing a shallow root system and its first shoots. These shoots elongate and begin to exhibit the characteristic bamboo culms and leaves of the mature plant. As Arrow Bamboo matures, it undergoes a phase of rapid growth, where the bamboo culms reach their full height and diameter, and the plant expands through clonal reproduction with rhizomes spreading underground. After several years, mature Arrow Bamboo may flower, a rare event that occurs sporadically, and can result in the death of the flowering culms after seed set. The seeds then disperse, potentially giving rise to new plantlets, thus continuing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
The most popular method of propagation for Pseudosasa japonica, commonly known as Arrow bamboo, is through division of the rhizomes. This is typically done in the spring as new growth is beginning to emerge. Gardeners will dig up a portion of the bamboo clump, ensuring there are several healthy rhizomes attached. Using a sharp spade or saw, they will cut through the rhizomes to separate a section from the main plant. This section should have both roots and shoots for successful propagation. Once separated, the new division can be planted in a prepared hole, ideally twice the size of the root mass, and watered thoroughly. Care should be taken to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to encourage establishment of the new plant.
