Plant Details

Phyllostachys dulcus

Sweetshoot Bamboo

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Phyllostachys dulcus.

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Common names

3 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Sweetshoot Bamboo
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Reuzenbamboe
French
  • Bambou à tiges sucrées
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Phyllostachys dulcus
Reviewed spelling (Kew): Phyllostachys dulcis McClure View name reference ↗

The catalogue spelling dulcus is interpreted as dulcis using its original Phyllostachys dulcis source link and Sweet Shoot Bamboo name. Kew accepts P. dulcis; the separate species P. edulis is excluded.

Sources [2]
Botanical family: Poaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Phyllostachys (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Sweetshoot Bamboo

Plant characteristics

Layer: Shrub
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 7.00 m
Spread: - m
Growth rate: None
Foliage: Evergreen

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 7-10
Soil moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Partial shade, Full sun

Uses

Edible parts:
Shoots, Stem
Edibility rating:
(4)
Medicinal rating:
(0)
Functions:
Wood

Description

Young bamboo shoots can be eaten both raw and cooked. They have a mild flavor and can be added to salads, soups, stews, and more. This species of bamboo is highly sought after in China for its edibility. The shoots, measuring 4-6 cm in diameter, are harvested in the spring when they emerge about 8 cm above the ground. They are cut off approximately 5 cm below ground level.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/08
Harvest ends: 30/09

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 405378; name ID 434043; Phyllostachys Siebold & Zucc.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.

  2. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Phyllostachys dulcis McClure
    Supports: Taxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: Name heading and taxonomic status; The catalogue spelling dulcus is interpreted as dulcis using its original Phyllostachys dulcis source link and Sweet Shoot Bamboo name. Kew accepts P. dulcis; the separate species P. edulis is excluded.

    Source checked on .