Bamboo Species Guide

Discover bamboo species value insights.

Why Tropical Bamboo Species Are More Rare

Tropical bamboo species remain rarer than temperate species in the U.S. Obviously, fewer areas in the country have a climate suitable for growing tropical species. Beyond that, there are additional reasons for their rarity.

U.S. Import Restrictions

All bamboo is prohibited by the USDA from general importation. Details can be found under Title 7 CFR, Chapter 3, Part 319, USDA Animal & Plant Inspection Service Plant Protection and Quarantine.

The reason bamboo is restricted is not because the USDA considers bamboo itself a risk. Bamboo is grown in the U.S. almost exclusively as an ornamental plant. It is a grass, or Poaceae. Importing bamboo could, in theory, allow a pest, virus, or disease that targets grass crops to enter the country. This could potentially affect major grass crops such as corn, wheat, and sugar.

Because bamboo is primarily an ornamental import, even a small theoretical risk has historically been enough to discourage general importation.

Bamboo Quarantine History

From 1985 until 2010, the USDA allowed the American Bamboo Society to maintain quarantine stations, one for each chapter, for experimental or scientific purposes. By around 2008, the USDA sought greater control over the bamboo import process, and no new permits were issued to the ABS. All American Bamboo Society import permits expired by 2010.

In 2011, a new import system allowed individuals to request permits. All imported bamboo, however, had to complete quarantine at the main USDA/APHIS facility in Beltsville, Maryland. Space at the facility is limited, and applicants are often placed on a waiting list. The facility handles quarantine for many types of plants and animals, not just bamboo.

Import Process & Challenges

Bamboo must be imported bare root and free of visible disease, spores, or pests. Open leaves are often removed, and culms are cleaned thoroughly. Even slight evidence of pests may result in destruction upon arrival.

The USDA mandates that no more than two specimens of one species be maintained in quarantine. If the bamboo survives the import process, it must remain in quarantine under USDA inspection for one year.

Why Tropical Bamboo Can Be Valuable

Most tropical bamboo species are relatively new to the United States. Many desirable species have only been available for a few years. Vegetative propagation of tropical bamboo is a slow and tedious process, as successful methods vary by species. Starting with one or two surviving quarantine plants, multiplication rates are limited.

Bamboo seeds are rare because many species may take up to 100 years or more to flower. In addition, seedlings may not match the parent plant. Most growers prefer exact clones of the parent plant, so vegetative propagation is required.

Best U.S. Regions for Tropical Bamboo

If you live in an area suitable for tropical species—Florida, Southern California, Southern Texas, Southern Louisiana, Arizona, and Hawaii—you are fortunate to have access to an exceptional selection of bamboo. Some subtropical species with frost tolerance may also grow in other southern states. Check the minimum temperature listed for each species.

Tropical bamboo may also be grown indoors or in greenhouses by experienced growers. A good rule of thumb is to think of palm trees: if you can grow at least some palm species, you can probably grow tropical bamboo.

Climate Suitability Matters

On the other hand, many temperate species do not perform well in the intense heat and humidity of South Florida. Most temperate running bamboo will struggle and may decline during South Florida summers. A few temperate species may survive, but many growers are disappointed after a couple of years.

Choose the species best suited for your climate for the best long-term results.