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pygmy bamboo

Scientific Name: Arundinaria pygmaea

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Pygmy Bamboo

Pygmy Bamboo is a versatile ground cover plant known for its small size and rapid spread.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • Pygmy Bamboo is often used as a ground cover, and might be present in gardens or homes where pets and children have access.
  • Some sources refer to sharp edges or the potential for small parts that could be ingested by pets or children.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Pleioblastus pygmaeus
  • Common Name: Pygmy Bamboo, Dwarf Bamboo
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
  • Synonyms: P. fortunei, Arundinaria fortunei pygmaea, Bambusa pygmaea, Sasa pygmaea, Arundinaria pygmaea

Distribution and Habitat

  • The text suggests it is non-native in some regions, with mentions in the Invasive Plant Atlas.

Ecological Role

  • The text notes that Pleioblastus fortunei (a synonym) is considered an exotic species in some U.S. states.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Height typically ranges from 1 to 3 feet, depending on the variety.
  • It has a unique fan-shaped leaf pattern.
  • Leaves can be blue-green, changing to pale green in the fall.
  • Stems have lance-shaped foliage that can be green or dark green depending on variety.
  • It's considered a true dwarf variety of bamboo.
  • It can form a colony of shoots around 8-10 inches tall.

Cultivation and Uses

  • Recommended for USDA zones 6b through 10.
  • It spreads rapidly under good conditions and grows well in semi-shade.
  • Can be used as a ground cover, border plant, or in containers.
  • It can be grown outdoors and mowed to the ground in winter.
  • Suitable for bonsai cultivation.

Quirky Facts

  • The Pygmy Bamboo bat (Tylonycteris pygmaeus) is a species of vesper bat found in Southwest China. The bat is around 4cm long.

Related Species

  • Similar to Pleioblastus distichus.
  • Pogonatherum paniceum (Malay Pygmy Bamboo) is a miniature bamboo-fern like grass.

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden is mentioned as a community that shares tips and ideas for gardens.
  • ResearchGate hosts information on the primary productivity of Arundinaria pusilla.