Bamboo is known for its tall, slender stems and graceful, arching leaves that sway in the breeze While bamboo itself makes a striking addition to any garden, there are also several tree varieties that have leaves which closely resemble bamboo
These bamboo-mimicking trees offer unique visual interest and texture to landscapes. Their slender, reed-like foliage provides a tropical look while their hardier nature allows them to thrive in more regions than tender bamboo
If you love the look of bamboo but want a more cold-tolerant, low-maintenance option, consider one of these stunning trees that feature bamboo-shaped leaves.
Bamboo-Leaf Oak
The bamboo-leaf oak, also called Japanese evergreen oak or Chinese evergreen oak (Quercus myrsinifolia), is a small, upright oak tree native to Japan, Korea, and China. It grows 20-35 feet tall and 15-25 feet wide.
This oak species is named for its slender, bamboo-like leaves that emerge light green in spring and mature to glossy dark green. The leaves are 2-5 inches long, about 1⁄2 inch wide, and clustered together at the ends of the branches.
In fall, the bamboo-leaf oak shows off vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow before shedding its leaves. It produces petite acorns in late summer.
Hardy in USDA zones 7-10, this adaptable oak thrives in full sun to part shade and tolerates drought, urban conditions, and clay or sandy soils. It makes a lovely accent tree for Asian-style gardens.
Fish Tail Palm
The fish tail palm (Caryota mitis) is a tropical palm tree native to Southeast Asia. It reaches up to 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide, with a 6-12 inch trunk diameter.
This palm gets its name from its leaves, which have a distinctive split, fish tail-like shape. The leaves are 8-15 feet long and segment into deeply divided, bamboo-like leaflets.
Young leaves emerge bright green, then fade to blue-green. In fall and winter, the leaves take on dramatic bronzy-orange hues. Clusters of small yellow flowers bloom in late spring, followed by oval fruit.
The fish tail palm requires warm temperatures year-round, thriving in USDA zones 10-11. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade to full sun. Its tropical look makes it ideal for poolside plantings.
Heavenly Bamboo
Despite its name, heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) is not a bamboo at all but a flowering evergreen shrub. Native to Asia, it grows 4-8 feet tall and wide.
The foliage of heavenly bamboo resembles large bamboo leaves. The leaves are 6-24 inches long, 1-2 inches wide, thin, and lightly to deeply lobed.
New spring growth emerges reddish-purple, then matures to green. In fall and winter, the leaves flush bright red before dropping. Clusters of small white flowers bloom in late spring, followed by red berries.
Hardy in zones 6-10, this adaptable shrub tolerates drought, poor soil, heat, humidity, and shade. It works well in Asian gardens, woodland settings, and mass plantings. Heavenly bamboo can spread invasively, so watch for unwanted seedlings.
Umbrella Bamboo
Umbrella bamboo (Fargesia murielae) is one of the few clumping bamboo species hardy enough to grow outside its subtropical and tropical native range. This tough, cold-resistant bamboo grows 6-10 feet tall with a 3-5 foot spread.
Its arching, umbrella-shaped foliage consists of lance-shaped green leaves measuring 3-5 inches long and 1⁄2 inch wide. The small leaves give the plant fine-textured, wispy appearance reminiscent of bamboo.
Umbrella bamboo is non-invasive, forming tight clumps and rarely spreading beyond its bounds. It is one of the few bamboos suitable for restricted spaces.
Thriving in USDA zones 5-9, this adaptable bamboo tolerates drought, damp soil, shade, and pollution. It is useful for screening, containers, and Asian or modern garden designs.
Japanese Cleyera
Japanese cleyera (Ternstroemia gymnanthera) is an evergreen shrub native to Japan, Korea, and China. Growing 10-15 feet tall and 8-12 feet wide, it takes on a rounded, dense shape.
The elliptical foliage consists of leathery, lustrous green leaves 2-5 inches long. Young leaves often emerge bronzy-red for added interest. The short, rounded leaves clasp the stems closely, taking on a bamboo-like effect.
In summer, Japanese cleyera produces clusters of small white flowers followed by red berries.
Hardy in zones 7-9, this adaptable shrub tolerates sun or shade, moist or dry soil, heat, humidity, and air pollution. Its durability and lush foliage make it ideal for hedges, screens, borders, and foundation plantings.
Giant Reed
Giant reed or wild cane (Arundo donax) is a huge ornamental grass that can reach 15-30 feet in height and form dense clumps up to 20 feet wide. Native to Africa, Europe, and Asia, it grows too invasively in warmer climates to be recommended.
Its tropical-looking foliage consists of foot-long, bamboo-like green leaves that gracefully arch on tall, bamboo-shaped canes. The leaves have a corrugated texture and sharply pointed tips.
Feathery plumes of beige flowers appear in late summer, drying to a blonde color. The canes turn tan in winter.
Hardy in zones 7-11, giant reed adapts to many soil types and environments. It has been used for building material, musical instruments, and biofuel, but caution is needed as it spreads aggressively outside its native range.
Bamboo Palm
Though named for its resemblance to bamboo, bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) is actually a palm tree native to Mexico and Central America. In its native habitat, it grows to 15-25 feet tall, but typically maxes out under 10 feet tall when cultivated.
This slender palm has a clustered, cane-like growth habit. Its bamboo look comes from its long, arching leaves divided into narrow, grassy leaflets. The leaves emerge lime green and mature to deep green, eventually fading to tan as they die.
Preferring bright, indirect light and high humidity, bamboo palm does best in zones 10-11 but can thrive indoors in colder climates. Its fine texture and bamboo-like leaves make it ideal for atrium and conservatory plantings.
Final Thoughts
These trees and shrubs showcase the elegant, exotic look of bamboo through their slender, reed-shaped leaves and arching branches. They provide a fine, grassy texture even in climates where true bamboo cannot survive winter cold.
If you want to emulate the ambiance of bamboo without the invasiveness, frequent pruning needs, and potential cold intolerance, consider incorporating one of these stunning bamboo mimics into your garden.
Choosing a bamboo variety | Volunteer Gardener
FAQ
What plant is mistaken for bamboo?
What is the invasive plant that looks like bamboo?
Is lucky bamboo invasive in the US?
What is growing in my yard that looks like bamboo?
What plant looks like bamboo?
Lucky Bamboo This is the first plant that looks like bamboo with the botanical name Dracaena sanderiana. You have probably seen this plant around you and only refer to it as bamboo. It is well known for its decorative function. Read more Calathea Triostar vs Stromanthe: Comparing These Two Prayer Plants
What are the different types of bamboo plants?
Consider Lucky Bamboo, Horsetail, Giant Reed, Heavenly Bamboo, Japanese Knotweed, Bamboo Palm, Dumb Cane, Parlor Palm, Broad Leafed Dock, and Lilac. These plants all have similar structures, stems, and leaves as bamboo and can offer the same aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits.
Are bamboo trees?
The number and position of branches depends on the species. Although bamboo is called the evergreen plant, it still loses its foliage every year. This is another reason why people believe bamboos are trees. Bamboo leaves are lance-shaped and linear. Bamboo flowers irregularly.
Which palm tree looks like bamboo?
Like bamboo, palm trees are prolific in tropical and subtropical climates, and they come in thousands of different species. Among them, you’ll find an incredible diversity of shapes and sizes. Parlor palm ( Chamaedorea elegans ), pictured at the top of this article, is another kind that looks something like bamboo, with its thin, delicate leaves.
What is a bamboo plant?
One of the most famous bamboo-like plants is sugarcane, or Saccharum officinarum. While sugarcane is primarily cultivated as a food source, its slender stalks and bamboo-like appearance make it an interesting plant to incorporate into your garden. It can reach an impressive mature height of 10-20 feet, making a great screen or windbreak.
Which plants are not related to bamboo?
Not only that, but there are a handful of plants that have bamboo in their common names, but are not related to bamboo at all. Some of the plants most commonly confused with bamboo include Lucky Bamboo ( Dracaena sanderiana ), Bamboo Palm ( Rhapis excelsa ), and Giant Cane Grass ( Arundo donax ).