Bamboos are grasses that vary in height from dwarf plants of less than one foot to giant timber bamboos that can grow to over 100 feet. They grow in different climates, from tropical jungle to high mountain altitudes. They vary substantially in habit. Those known as runners spread rampantly, and require special planting techniques to keep them contained. Clumping forms expand from the original planting more slowly and so stay in a smaller space. In general, tropical bamboos tend to be clumpers while the temperate bamboos can be runners or clumpers.

According to the American Bamboo Society, "Most bamboos come from less-developed and often rather inaccessible areas of the world. Many bamboos have only been known to science for a short period and their taxonomy is still under development. Their placement in genera has often had to change with better information on the characteristics and relationships of the species ..."

"Bamboo is both decorative and useful. In many parts of the world it is food, animal fodder, the primary construction material and is also used for making a great variety of useful objects from baskets and kitchen tools, to paper and hats."

PLANTING RUNNERS:

The easiest way to control bamboo is to keep it in decorative containers. Non-cold hardy types may be brought indoors for the winter. Runners can also be useful as green fence to give privacy by digging a ditch and edging with flashing on both sides. The metal will prevent the bamboo from escaping into surround garden beds and lawn.