Bamboo
Bamboo
Bamboo is the general name used for a number of perennial, woody-stemmed grasses. Native cane (Arundinaria gigantea), which is commonly referred to as river cane, grows naturally in Kentucky and throughout much of the Southeast. It is one of three bamboo species native to North America. There are more than a hundred introduced species that can be grown in the U.S., with growth habits ranging from low-growing groundcovers to full-sized trees that reach a height of over 30 feet at maturity.
Key Requirements
| Land | Low to Medium |
| Labor | High |
| Capital | Medium |
Take the HortBizQuiz to see how much Land, Labor, and Capital you have for your operation.
Markets
- Ornamental Nursery
Pests & Disease
Only a few diseases or insect pests have been reported on US-grown bamboo. These include spider mites, scale insects, and rust disease. It is important to keep groves weed free from planting to establishment.
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.
Challenges
- Is widely recognized as a problematic plant. Growers should be willing to install barriers for unwanted spread.
- Is an invasive plant and might find it challenging to find a market in Kentucky willing to purchase.
- Highly labor-intensive plant. If you don’t have enough labor, this might not be the best plant.
Opportunities
- Focus on container plants grown in a greenhouse.
- Fresh bamboo shoots are a tastier alternative to the canned bamboo consumers find at the supermarket.
- Bamboo canes are hard and durable, but lightweight, making them suitable for a number of on-farm uses.