How big is your bissetii?

[jpluddite]

Howdy folks

I've read strongly conflicting descriptions of bissetii's mature size. Most describe it as a relatively thin-culmed, aggressive-spreading runner.

But, I saw some bissetii that were about 2-2.5 inches wide and at least 40 feet tall.

How big is your bissetii? Please include max height and culm width, age of grove, and zone.

Thanks guys.

jp

[DCBa]

Mine is on its fifth year and I don't have anything bigger than 1/2" diameter and 10 feet tall. Maybe this year will be larger; the spectabilis shoot are much larger than last year.

David B

[Alan_L]

Mine is about the same -- a little thicker and taller this year though.

I don't think bissetii gets to 2" -- are you certain of the ID? Where was the grove?

[jpluddite]

Hi Alan.

I reckon I'm not certain about the ID. The grove is in MD, outside Silver Spring. It was on the property of a guy who has many, many varieties. His name is Dave Andrews. I bought some field divisions of japonica and solid stem from him. He spent over an hour showing me the various varieties he has. He seemed to know his stuff pretty well, but I suppose he could be wrong. Of course, it's also possible that I'm simply not remembering correctly.

jp

[needmore]

David knows his bamboo, many of my species came from him once removed, I think he did some early importing.

[Robbie78]

Mine is about an inch diameter and 20 feet tall

[millerlightman02]

Mine came from Brad got it in 07' maybe 15' tall and mostly 3/4" very few 1" maybe 3-5 culms 1".

[richr]

There is a farm stand here in central NJ - the lady who owns it is looking for people to remove it at no cost. It's Bissetii. The grove was planted many years ago and is quite large. I've measured the culms and they are 1" to 1.75+". It looks to be about 35 feet tall or taller in the center of the grove.

[needmore]

I've got quite a few this year that exceed 1.25" but a bit shy of 1.50, if it ever warms back up they should get to or exceed 30'. Some of my dwarf form are at about an inch, I'll be curious to see how tall they get.

[richr]

This culm in the center is 1.75".

[jpluddite]

I got official word from Dave about his bissetii:

"The tallest is about 45 feet and the largest diameter 2.04 inches. Diameter data taken Feb, 2012, measured greater than 1" from a node and about 4 ft above ground. (I have not measured this years new shoots)."

jp

[DCBa]

I went out and measured a few with calipers. There are a few that are 22 mm and quite a few that are 18 - 20 mm. Won't know about height for a few more weeks.

I have pictures here.

David B.