Phyllostachys aureosulcata 'Aureocaulis'  
    "Golden Crookstem"

     This fine bamboo has a bright, lemon yellow culm which gains a red blush in the spring when the new shoots are exposed to direct sunlight.  It is among the most cold hardy bamboos and can grow just about anywhere in the United States. It's upright grow habit makes it a good choice when a narrow, colorful screen is desired.
    Growing quickly, "Golden Crookstem" reaches mature height within 5 years, even when started from a small division.  The lower branches produce dense,  evergreen foliage, beginning at two feet, extending to the top of the canopy.  In colder regions it often tops out at 15 to 20 feet, though in mild climates, such as the Pacific Northwest, it can achieve 25 feet in height.
    P. aureosulcata 'Aureocaulis' prefers full sun but is shade tolerant as well, and can add a bright and interesting color to a dark corner of the yard. It also makes an excellect container plant, being very cold hardy and upright.
    "Golden Crookstem" is a cultivar of the same species as
P. aureosulcata "Yellow Groove" and
P. aureosulcata 'Spectabilis'
and can be inter-grown with either,  producing a wild contrast of colors.

© Noah Bell, Shweeash Bamboo
Young culm on the left has a greenish hue, compared to a year old, solid yellow culm on the right.