One of the bamboo species native to the US. It once grew in vast thickets from Texas to Maryland, north through Indiana and Ohio, and in the south and south-east.

This species is native to China. It's one of the first species to shoot in the spring. It's a tough bamboo for tough conditions. In warmer regions it's wind tollerant. It's also salt tollerant for those of you by the sea. Looks nice trimmed as a hedge. Olive green in color.

This is the largest bamboo that performs well in zone 5. It's said to be the hardiest of the Phyllostachys genus. Its wood is not considered to be of the best quality, but is used extensively in China, its native land, for making baskets, floor mats, poles, etc. It is a very dark green bamboo.

Capable of forming a dense carpet in little time, this Pleioblastus species takes some considerion before planting. It can either take over your lawn or be your lawn. It depends upon your view point.

Containment methods such as mowing and trenching that work with larger species of bamboo will not be affective with this miniature species.

As a lawn alternative or ground cover it can withstand low to moderate foot traffic, but will not do well in heavily walked areas. One mowing a year will keep the growth at a desired height, but it does best at a height of at least 6 inches.