Despite its common name, heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) is not a bamboo at all, but a species of flowering, evergreen shrub native to eastern Asia. Grown as an ornamental shrub, it is characterized by cane-like stems and finely textured leaves that resemble those of bamboo, which is how Nandina domestica got its common name.
Add this striking, low-maintenance plant to your garden by planting or transplanting it in the cooler fall months. It grows about 1 or 2 feet annually until it reaches its mature height and requires full sun to achieve the most vibrant colors. Note that this plant is considered invasive in some Southeastern states and produces berries that are toxic to animals. Read on for our care guide.
Bamboo is cherished for its graceful arching stems and leaves that sway gently in the breeze. While bamboo itself makes a striking garden accent, several tree varieties also boast leaves remarkably similar to bamboo. These bamboo-mimicking trees contribute unique visual interest and texture to landscapes. Their slender, reed-like foliage imparts a tropical vibe while their hardier constitution allows them to thrive in more regions than tender bamboo.
If you love the bamboo aesthetic but desire a more cold-tolerant, low-maintenance alternative, consider these stunning trees flaunting bamboo-shaped foliage.
Bamboo-Leaf Oak
The bamboo-leaf oak, also termed Japanese evergreen oak or Chinese evergreen oak (Quercus myrsinifolia), is a compact, upright oak hailing from Japan, Korea, and China. Maturing at 20-35 feet tall and 15-25 feet wide, this oak wins its name from the slender, bamboo-esque leaves unfurling light green in spring and maturing to glossy dark green.
Measuring 2-5 inches long and around 1⁄2 inch wide, the leaves cluster together at branch ends Come fall, the bamboo-leaf oak brandishes vibrant red, orange and yellow hues before dropping its leaves Petite acorns emerge in late summer.
Hardy in USDA zones 7-10, this adaptable oak thrives in full sun to part shade and tolerates drought, urban settings, and clay or sandy soils. It brings lovely Asian flair to gardens.
Fish Tail Palm
The fish tail palm (Caryota mitis) is a tropical palm hailing from Southeast Asia. Attaining heights of 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide with a 6-12 inch trunk diameter, this palm earns its moniker from the unique, split fish tail-shaped foliage.
Spanning 8-15 feet long the leaves divide into deeply lobed bamboo-esque leaflets. Young leaves burst forth bright green before fading to blue-green. In fall and winter, the leaves adopt striking bronzy-orange tones. Clusters of petite yellow blooms arrive in late spring, followed by oval fruits.
Demanding year-round warmth, the fish tail palm flourishes in USDA zones 10-11. It favors moist, well-draining soil and partial shade to full sunlight. Its tropical vibe shines by pools.
Heavenly Bamboo
Though named for bamboo, heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) is actually a flowering evergreen shrub indigenous to Asia. Attaining heights and widths of 4-8 feet, its foliage resembles oversized bamboo leaves.
Ranging from 6-24 inches long and 1-2 inches wide, the thin leaves are lightly to deeply lobed. New spring growth emerges reddish-purple before maturing to green. In fall and winter, the foliage ignites bright red prior to shedding. Clusters of small white blooms arrive in late spring, succeeded by red berries.
Thriving in zones 6-10, this flexible shrub tolerates drought, poor soil, heat, humidity and shade. It excels in Asian, woodland and mass plantings. Heavenly bamboo can spread invasively, so monitor for unwanted seedlings.
Umbrella Bamboo
Umbrella bamboo (Fargesia murielae) is one of few clumping bamboo species hardy enough for cultivation outside its subtropical and tropical native terrain. This resilient, cold-tolerant bamboo matures at 6-10 feet tall with a 3-5 foot spread.
Characterized by arching, umbrella-shaped foliage of lance-shaped, 3-5 inch long and 1⁄2 inch wide green leaves, its fine texture and wispy form evoke bamboo. Umbrella bamboo is non-invasive, forming tight clumps and rarely spreading. It’s one of few bamboos suitable for confined space.
Adaptable from zones 5-9, this bamboo tolerates drought, damp soil, shade and pollution. It lends itself to screening, containers and Asian or modern garden motifs.
Japanese Cleyera
Japanese cleyera (Ternstroemia gymnanthera) is an evergreen shrub native to Japan, Korea and China. Achieving heights of 10-15 feet and widths of 8-12 feet, it assumes a rounded, dense shape.
The elliptical foliage consists of lustrous green, leathery leaves measuring 2-5 inches long. Young leaves often emerge bronzy-red for added intrigue. The short, rounded leaves closely sheathe stems, presenting a bamboo-like effect.
In summer, Japanese cleyera yields clusters of small white blooms followed by red berries.
Thriving in zones 7-9, this flexible shrub tolerates sun or shade, moist or dry soil, heat, humidity and pollution. Its resilience and lush foliage make it ideal for hedges, screens, borders and foundations.
Giant Reed
Giant reed or wild cane (Arundo donax) is a monumental ornamental grass attaining heights of 15-30 feet and forming dense clumps up to 20 feet wide. Indigenous to Africa, Europe and Asia, its rampant invasiveness in warmer areas precludes recommendation.
The exotic-looking foliage consists of foot-long, bamboo-esque green leaves gracefully arching on tall, bamboo-shaped canes. The textured leaves have sharply pointed tips.
Wispy beige plumes emerge in late summer, drying to blonde. The canes fade to tan in winter.
Thriving in zones 7-11, giant reed tolerates diverse soils and settings. It’s been utilized for building, instruments and biofuel, but requires caution outside its native range owing to aggressive spread.
Bamboo Palm
Despite its moniker, bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) is actually a palm indigenous to Mexico and Central America. In native terrain it reaches 15-25 feet tall, but typically peaks under 10 feet in cultivation.
This slender palm flaunts a clustered, cane-like habit. Its bamboo mien stems from the long, arching leaves divided into grassy leaflets. The leaves unfurl lime green, maturing to deep green and eventually fading tan as they perish.
Requiring bright, indirect light and high humidity, bamboo palm excels in zones 10-11 but can thrive indoors in colder areas. Its delicate texture and bamboo-like leaves make it ideal for atriums and conservatories.
What Do Heavenly Bamboo Flowers Look Like?
Heavenly bamboo sports a dazzling and changing show of color all year round, with leaves that turn from pink to green to red as the seasons change. In the spring, dainty white flowers are followed by bright red berries that persist throughout the winter.
How to Get Heavenly Bamboo to Bloom
Heavenly bamboo blooms in late spring to summer, usually in late May/early June.
Will this bamboo plant sing? Let’s tune in with PlantWave. #plantmusic #plantwave #bamboo #nature
FAQ
What tree looks like a bamboo leaf?
Bamboo-leaf Oak is an oak tree, not a bamboo, but its slender evergreen leaves clustered at the ends of branches resemble the appearance of bamboo. Its smooth, broad trunks look remarkably like the legs of elephants. Other common names are Japanese live oak, Japanese white oak, and Chinese evergreen oak.
Is Lucky Bamboo invasive in the US?
Bamboo is technically not “invasive.” Instead, many running bamboos are considered “aggressive” and, without containment, may send up shoots in your …
What outdoor plant looks like bamboo with leaves?
Dumb Cane. There are 56 different species in this genus. It presents like bamboo in the fact that it has a straight stem with simple alternating leaves. It is a tropical flowering plant that is typically only cold hardy to 41°F.
What is the invasive bamboo-like tree?
The stalks of Japanese knotweed have been compared to those of bamboo, hollow and segmented, though the plant is actually in the buckwheat (Polygonaceae) family. The leaves are broad, complete, and alternating. The stems tend to take on an orange color once mature, while the leaves are dark green.
What trees look like bamboo?
Lucky Bamboo, Bamboo Palm, and Parlor Palm are some of the few trees that look like bamboo with their upright stems and thin green leaves. These plants are versatile and beautiful and they can brighten up any space with their green and elegant look. Lucky Bamboo, the one in our thumbnail image, despite its misleading name, is not bamboo.
What is a tiny plant that looks like bamboo?
A tiny plant that looks like bamboo is the Horsetail (Equisetum). This ancient plant has thin, jointed stems that look like miniature bamboo. t grows well in wet, sandy soil and is often seen near water, making it a unique addition to water gardens or as a natural ground cover.
What is a red plant resembling bamboo?
The red plant resembling bamboo is likely Heavenly Bamboo, also known as Nandina domestica. It is a species of flowering evergreen shrub with long stems and narrow, dark green leaves. Heavenly Bamboo is recognizable by its reddish-bronze foliage, making it an attractive plant for outdoor landscaping.
What plants look like lucky bamboo?
Bring luck and good fortune into your home with these beautiful Plants that Look like Lucky Bamboo! These lush, green wonders not only add a touch of nature to your décor, but their bamboo-like appearance is sure to attract positive energy and prosperity. 1. Bamboo Palm 2. Parlor Palm 3. Heavenly Bamboo 4. Dumb Cane 5. Horsetail 6.
What is a bamboo plant?
One of the most famous bamboo-like plants is sugarcane, or Saccharum officinarum. While sugarcane is primarily cultivated as a food source, its slender stalks and bamboo-like appearance make it an interesting plant to incorporate into your garden. It can reach an impressive mature height of 10-20 feet, making a great screen or windbreak.
What are the different types of bamboo plants?
Consider Lucky Bamboo, Horsetail, Giant Reed, Heavenly Bamboo, Japanese Knotweed, Bamboo Palm, Dumb Cane, Parlor Palm, Broad Leafed Dock, and Lilac. These plants all have similar structures, stems, and leaves as bamboo and can offer the same aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits.