Phyllostachys aurea or Arundinaria gigantean

[GatorSmax69]

I was hoping someone on here can tell me how I can determine what type of bamboo I have growing along the creek behind my house. I think that I have it narrowed down to either Phyllostachys aurea or Arundinaria gigantean, but I am not sure.

[needmore]

A gigantea should have multiple, short branches and look like a bottle brush - like something that would be good for cleaning the inside of a bottle (a large bottle, I admit), Phy. aurea will not, having only 2-3 branches at the nodes but long branches.

[GatorSmax69]

Thanks Brad. I will try to post some pictures this weekend, maybe that will help with a positive ID.

[GatorSmax69]

Here are the pics.

[foxd]

Looks like a Phyllostachys to me.

[David]

Looks like Ph. propinqua 'Beijing', boat like leaves and all, but pretty rare. Where did you get them?

[GatorSmax69]

Thanks, David. Its growing wild in the creek behind a house I bought. Is Ph. propinqua a "runner"?

[needmore]

I suspect it is Phy aurea, the leaves may be rolled as it is a new division?

[David]

Probably aurea as Brad said since you found it wild. Ph. p. 'Beijing' is most likely too rare to be found in the wild. The leaf roll is probably stress also as Brad said. Just listen to him- seems I'm just repeating what he said .

[watchnerd]

Does it have a sulcus?

[GatorSmax69]

I don't think there is any sulcus, David. Both canes and rhizomes are pretty smooth, no ridges running their length.

[needmore]

In your 1st photo there appears to be a full sulcus facing the camera isn't there?

[David]

The first pic shows a sulcus.

[foxd]

The picture with your hand in it shows a sulcus right above the branches facing the camera.

[GatorSmax69]

I'm a true novice here guys. So, not fully educated on what exactly I am looking for as far as a sulcus, but I think it may be a reflection. Unless I am confusing the 'node' with the 'sulcus'. The Culms are very smooth, and shiny all the way around in between each node (or section/segment of branches). I will try posting more pics again in the next few days.