ANOTHER ... COLOR OF MY BAMBOO

Here is a bamboo I have not featured previously:  BLACK BAMBOO.  Yes ... bamboo with a common name, not some fancy Latin name only.

I have this bamboo growing along the front of my house. Planted several years ago, it has now developed into an effective "vision barrier". Certainly more colorful & lasting than some form of manufactured fencing.

BLACK BAMBOO is another species which changes color in it's first year of growth.  This photo shows the green clums which have sprouted up this Spring.  Looking closely, you will see the previous years growth which has developed the rich black color this bamboo is named for.  The change in color of the new growth occurs at the end of the first Summer, when the entire grove of bamboo will be black. Then next Spring, the new green growth -- & mixture of colors -- will begin again.

And -- just for the record, along with those who "need to know" -- the proper name for this plant is PHYLLOSTACHY NIGRA 'BLACK'.  Most plant nurseries which sell it list it as growing to a height of about 35 feet.  My plants are just about that tall.