Golden Bamboo Phyllostachys aurea (Carr) Poaceae

Biology Native to southeast ChinaNative to southeast China Introduced for the landscapeIntroduced for the landscape –Visual and noise barriers One of the most common bamboos in U.S.One of the most common bamboos in U.S. Category II invasive by FLEPPCCategory II invasive by FLEPPC

Distribution & Impacts Commonly found from Maryland to Florida, far west as ArkansasCommonly found from Maryland to Florida, far west as Arkansas Isolated infestations in OregonIsolated infestations in Oregon Fast growth and spread, mainly through rhizomes, quickly displaces native vegetationFast growth and spread, mainly through rhizomes, quickly displaces native vegetation Best in full sun but also in open forestsBest in full sun but also in open forests

Golden Bamboo Distribution in Florida

Identification

Mature Plant Can grow up to 30 feet in heightCan grow up to 30 feet in height Green to yellow stems, swollen internodes at baseGreen to yellow stems, swollen internodes at base Rhizomes arise from side shootsRhizomes arise from side shoots

Leaves Leaves are lanceolateLeaves are lanceolate –Roughly 15 cm long –1 to 2 cm wide Flowers infrequently, may be several decades before flowering occursFlowers infrequently, may be several decades before flowering occurs

Management PreventativeCulturalMechanicalBiologicalChemical

Preventative 1.Limit planting as an ornamental 2.Remove existing plants, including resprouts and before seeds are produced 3.Avoid mechanical disturbance in forested areas – logging, rouging, etc. where golden bamboo fern is present

Cultural 1.Alternative landscape plants to replace golden bamboo 2.Programs to educate homeowners about the problems associated with this plant and proper identification 3.Maintain good ground cover and mixture of plant species to reduce establishment

Biological 1.There are no known biological control agents available for golden bamboo management in Florida or the southeastern U.S.

Mechanical 1.Hand pull young plants, including all rhizomes, repeated pulling for resprouts 2.Mowing or cutting is effective, but must be repeated to control resprouts 3.Tillage, although likely impractical, will be very effective

Chemical - Foliar 1.Over-the-top applications of glyphosate at 2 to 3% solution plus 0.5% surfactant 2.Thoroughly wet leaves and stems with herbicide 3.Retreatment will be necessary for complete eradication

Chemical - Wipe 1.Cut stems and allow for 2 to 4 feet of regrowth 2.Apply (wipe) 100% glyphosate along the entire stem – use heavy cloth and rubber gloves 3.Will likely require retreatment

Chemical – Cut Stump 1.Individual trees, near desirable species 2.Cut trunks/stems horizonally at or near ground level 3.Apply 25% solution of glyphosate 4.Cover the outer 20% of the stump 5.Marker (blue) dye is helpful

Useful Links Floridata Homepage: =Welcome&viewsrc=welcome.htm =Welcome&viewsrc=welcome.htm University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants: University of Florida’s Cooperative Extension Electronic Data Information Source:

Useful Links The Plant Conservation Alliance's Alien Plant Working Group. Weeds Gone Wild: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas: Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER). Plant Threats to Pacific Ecosystems: Invasive Plants of the Eastern United States:

Literature Cited Langeland, K.A. and K. Craddock Burks Identification and Biology of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas. IFAS Publication SP 257. University of Florida, Gainesville. 165 pp