Needmore Bamboo Co.
 
                 
         
Phyllostachys aureosulcata - I have not paid proper homage to this bamboo mainly as it is probably the most common species in the US.  My 5th year grove despite being neglected and planted in heavy clay on a steep slope, is so spectacular that I have a new found appreciation for this bamboo.   I measured several culms in the 22-25 feet range and a few were around 1.25 inches in diameter.  The zigzag culms that gave this bamboo the name crookstem bamboo, also began to show up this year as well on perhaps 10% of the new culms.  This grove is growing in full sun and others the same age in lower light are perhaps only 50% this size. This grove was planted to help slow down a vehicle that may be sliding downhill on our potentially icy driveway - a scary proposition.  The one downside is that wet snow causes the culms to arch over and block the driveway but I will install a simple barrier to prevent this.