Running bamboos grow from a shallow, underground rhizome system. These segmented rhizomes extend under the soil some distance from the above-ground standing culms. This distance and aggressiveness of spread is somewhat species specific, but this characteristic growth pattern is what dictates how these bamboos will grow and be maintained. Each segment of this rhizome has the potential to produce a standing culm, but it can only 'shoot' once. If this shoot is damaged, this segment of rhizome will never produce another shoot, though other segments along the same rhizome still may.
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This type of bamboo grows just as the name implies. This differently formed rhizome system grows like an inverted umbrella under the soil, producing new shoots, concentrically, with each annual shoot season. This pattern slowly enlarges the plant's circumference as it matures. Lacking spreading rhizomes, these plants require no containment. However, their mature, potential circumference must be closely considered when creating screens, or planting near fences or within contained spaces. As this type of bamboo matures, growing larger at the base, it is possible to break containers or cement, too closely adjacent to the plant’s base.
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