Bamboo 'Oldhamii' (Bambusa oldhamii)

Cold-Hardy, Edible, and Elegantly Towering Bamboo for Food Forests and Landscapes

Oldhamii Bamboo, also known as Sweet Shoot Bamboo, is one of the most versatile, elegant, and widely loved clumping bamboos in cultivation. Native to Taiwan, this tropical species is prized for its tender, sweet edible shoots, cold-hardiness, and graceful, upright culms that can reach 50–65 feet tall. Despite its impressive size, Oldhamii remains clumping and non-invasive, making it a favorite for sustainable gardens, edible landscapes, and windbreaks.

Known as one of the best culinary bamboos, Oldhamii produces abundant shoots in spring that are mild, crisp, and easy to prepare—perfect for stir-fries, soups, and pickles. Its fast growth and thick canopy make it excellent for privacy screens, living fences, and erosion control, especially in subtropical regions.

Oldhamii is also one of the most cold-tolerant tropical bamboos, surviving temperatures down to 20°F, making it an excellent choice for growers in USDA Zones 8–11. Its straight, smooth green culms are also used in crafts and light construction.

At Sow Exotic, we ship Oldhamii Bamboo in 1-gallon plantable biodegradable coconut coir pots, making planting easy and eco-friendly.