North American Bamboo

According to most taxonomists, there is only one species (2 or 3 Sub-species) of woody bamboo native
to the United States. It is believed that this bamboo migrated from North East Asia to the North-Western
coast of North America. It is the only genus and specie (Arundinaria gigantea (Walter) Muhlenberg)
within the Sub-tribe Arundinarinae to be found in the Western Hemisphere. In spite of the lack of native
species found there, North America now has approximately 400 species currently grown. The American
Bamboo Society (ABS) has been instrumental in introducing, cultivating and increasing awareness of this
beautiful plant. All other native bamboos found in North America (and South America) belong to 3
Sub-tribes which are specific only to the Americas. Mexico, the Caribbean, and the countries of Central
America contain a total of 85 species all of which are tropical and sensitive to cold climates. These 85
species are distributed among 10 genera and three Sub-tribes; Guaduinae, Chusqueinae, and
Arthrostylidiinae.