Qiongzhuea tumidissinoda                                      
 "Chinese Walking Stick"

     An outstanding and rare specimen, Qiongzhuea tumidissinoda has a very decorative and intriguing culm structure.  Each node dramatically flairs out to twice the width of the culm, forming hundreds of saucer-like shapes.  It has an arching canopy of slender, delicate leaves that drape nearly to the ground like a weeping willow.
    In its native climate, Sichuan, China, "Chinese Walking Stick" thrives among rainforest covered valleys where it is cherished by the local people; the unique culms utilized in an ancient craft of walking cane construction.
    It is well suited to grow in the Pacific Northwest, though it is the most sensitive bamboo we carry. It prefers a mild climate, and shade from the hot afternoon sun. In a hard frost, especially one combined with strong wind, the most exposed part of the canopy will suffer moderate leaf loss. Give this rare beauty a sheltered area with dappled sunlight. It is initially slow to get established and less predictable than other hardy bamboos. However, after attaining a respectable size, it can be very fast spreading. We recommend creating a mound of rich, slightly acidic, well draining topsoil 5 or more feet in diameter, raised  6 to 12 inches above surrounding soil. This will provide the vigorous rhizomes with an area to spread freely, just be sure to persuade them not to cross the edge and into the yard. A swift, downward kick with a garden shovel is very convincing. Work around the edges of the mound, removing any rhizomes attempting to sneak past. This should be done once in the summer and again in the fall during the active growth period. This one is worth it. (see Care and Maintenance for details)
    12 feet in height is a reasonable expectation, 20 feet is optimistic unless the climate is absolutely perfect. Coastal southern Oregon into northern California (zone 9) is probably the closest to perfect within the United States. However, we have seen it get to 15 feet in northern Oregon as well as Washington, truly a sight to behold. Despite its inherent vigor, the culms tend to cluster together at the base with soft foliage cascading outward like water droplets from an emerald fountain. Qiongzhuea tumidissinoda, once mature, is like no other bamboo, and will command the attention of any who happen to witness it.

© Noah Bell, Shweeash Bamboo