Bamboo FAQ

No, bamboo is not a tree. Bamboo (Bambuseae), is an evergreen perennial flowering plant and a member of the grass family, Poaceae.

There are over 1,500 species of bamboo.

The stigma of invasive bamboo has become widespread among Florida gardeners. And while it's true that some kinds do spread invasively, there is a whole category of bamboos that do not.

There are actually two types of bamboos: clumping and running. A clumping bamboo will grow only a few inches wider each year, making it predictable and controllable. As the name suggests, it forms a "clump" of bamboo. A running bamboo grows long distances underground before shooting up and can take over a lawn and the neighbor's lawn. Running bamboo spreads unpredictably and creates a grove or forest of bamboo if not contained.

No. Fat Grass Bamboo is focused solely on non-invasive tropical clumping bamboo varieties.

Tropical clumping bamboo can reach its mature height within 3-5 years, given optimal growing conditions (getting water, good drainage, and lots of sun).  Tropical bamboo plants grown in shadier areas may not achieve maximum height or density.

There are many hundreds of items that bamboo can be used for. A few examples are decorations, building materials, fabrics and clothing, utensils, agriculture, weapons, instruments.