This bamboo has very straight upright culms with masses of drooping foliage and shiny dark green leaves. The new shoots have distinct and colorful culm sheaths. Native to the Yangtze valley of China where it is referred to by the locals as "Beautiful Bamboo". It is a fine bamboo for a tall dense screen. Thought to be synonymous with Phyllostachys mannii.
According to the American Bamboo Society Source List, it is one of the best performers under the stress of desert heat, cold, and drought.