Clumping Bamboo vs Running Bamboo

Bamboo is classified by its root system. There are two basic types, clumping bamboo and running bamboo.

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Clumping bamboo is easily contained and considered non-invasive. The rhizomes grow in dense clusters with very short spaces between the new shoots that emerge, forming a compact circular clump. Each growing season, the clump will slowly expand with growth of new shoots emanating from the original planting. Depending on species, clumping bamboo will ultimately expand anywhere from 3 to 10 feet in diameter (or more for the taller varieties)  in order to reach their mature height. Clupmping bamboo can grow densly with both canes and foliage and makes an excellent choice for privacy hedging.

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Running bamboo can be difficult to control and is considered invasive, causing concern for neighbors and communities. This is the only type of bamboo the predominately grows outdoors in the northern climates. Running bamboo is distinctly different from clumping bamboo in that the rhizomes are spread out much further sending up shoots far from the original planting; often as far away as it is tall. A ten foot tall plant can send a shoot up ten feet away! Running bamboo can also spread up to several yards during a growing seasson. Containment of invasive running bamboo is possible with planning and below grade retaining walls or large above ground planter boxes.