Running Bamboo Pleioblastus fortunei

Dwarf whitestripe is an evergreen bamboo in the Poaceae (grass) family native to Japan.  It can grow quickly to a height of 2 to 3 feet and is often used as a groundcover.

While it tolerates up to 6 hours a day of full sun it prefers partial shade.  The leaves have an interesting white and green striped pattern and will maintain that variation through the summer if the plant receives shade.  Once established this plant is very drought tolerant.

It spreads aggressively by rhizomes that can travel quite a distance from the original clump to spread in the landscape.  While it has been used to manage erosion, especially in poor growing conditions, it often escapes cultivation and easily naturalizes displacing native plants.    It tolerates mowing well but if it needs to be managed mowing will not be sufficient.  Consider planting a clumping bamboo instead as they do not spread aggressively with rhizomes. If you do use this plant it should be kept in a container or in an area surrounded by concrete and buildings.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  It is an aggressive plant, native alternatives and less aggressive plants should be considered.