Arrow Bamboo (also known as Metake)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Liliopsida, Order: Poales, Family: Poaceae, Genus: Pseudosasa, Species: Pseudosasa japonica · Poaceae (Grass family) · Simple, evergreen foliage leaves borne on short petioles attached to leafy branchlets
Species
Pseudosasa japonica
Leaf Type
Simple, evergreen foliage leaves borne on short petioles attached to leafy branchlets
Family
Poaceae (Grass family)
Shape
Lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, tapering to a long, sharp point at the apex
Size
Approximately 8 to 14 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide, which is typical for this vigorous bamboo species
Margin
Entire, though sometimes appearing minutely rough or serrulate near the tip
Arrangement
Alternate, often appearing clustered near the ends of branches due to the short internodes of the branchlets
Rarity
Very Common in cultivation and landscaping, though restricted to planted or naturalized groves outside its native range
Color & Pattern
Vibrant glossy green on the upper surface, paler matte green underneath, showing some natural bleaching, tip drying, and yellowing along the margins due to environmental exposure
Venation Pattern
Parallel venation with a prominent central midrib and numerous fine parallel longitudinal veins
Texture & Surface
Smooth, glabrous, and somewhat leathery on top, paler and slightly rougher on the underside
Description
Arrow Bamboo is a running bamboo species known for its exceptionally large, strap-like leaves that create a lush, tropical aesthetic. It features slender, erect, green canes that turn brownish-yellow with age, and its dense foliage makes it a popular choice for privacy screens and windbreaks
Key Features
Exceptionally long, broad lanceolate leaves for a hardy temperate bamboo, short petioles that twist to face leaves upward, and persistent sheath remnants on the culms
Habitat
Thrives in moist, well-draining soils in partial shade to full sun, often planted as a dense hedge or screen in temperate and subtropical gardens
Geographic Range
Native to Japan and South Korea, widely introduced and cultivated as an ornamental plant in North America and Europe
Condition Notes
Fair condition, showing typical signs of wind wear, tip dieback, and minor marginal chlorosis or scorching due to sun or drought stress
Interesting Facts
Historically, the straight, sturdy culms of this species were harvested in Japan to make shafts for arrows, which is the origin of its common name, Arrow Bamboo
Medicinal & Uses
Primarily used as an ornamental privacy screen, hedge, or container plant in landscaping. The canes have traditional uses in crafts and tool-making
Ecological Role
Provides dense cover and nesting habitat for birds and small mammals, though as a running bamboo, it can be aggressive and invasive if not properly contained
Similar Species
Can be confused with other running bamboos such as Phyllostachys species, but Pseudosasa japonica is distinguished by its significantly larger, broader leaves and persistent culm sheaths
Foraging Tips
Look for dense, shrubby bamboo clumps in older suburban landscapes, parks, or botanical gardens; identify primarily by the unusually long, broad, glossy green leaves
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic. Bamboo shoots are edible when properly cooked, though the leaves themselves are generally unpalatable to humans