Don’t be deceived by their striking resemblance to bamboo, there are several plants out there that often fool people by impersonating this renowned grass. Today, we will explore some of the most common bamboo-like plants, just for the fun of it.
Key Takeaways
Bamboo: What Sets It Apart?
Before we delve into the bamboo imitators, let’s first identify the key characteristics that distinguish bamboo from these look-alike plants. Belonging to the grass family, also known as Poaceae, bamboo boasts an impressive 91 documented genera.
Bamboo stems, or culms, feature solid nodes and come in a range of colors depending on the species, including lush green, black, dark green, yellow, light green, or red. These culms sprout from rhizomes, which can be classified into two types: running bamboo, characterized by its far-reaching and rapid spread through horizontal stems underground, and clumping bamboo, which solely grows upwards from a single rhizome.
Most bamboo species also develop branches at culm nodes, although the number and position of these branches vary among different species. Contrary to popular belief, bamboo is not an evergreen plant, as it sheds its foliage every year. It is this misconception that often leads people to mistake bamboo for a tree. Bamboo leaves are lance-shaped and linear. Interestingly, bamboo flowers sporadically, with no scientific consensus on its flowering pattern.
6 Common Bamboo Imposters
Now, let’s turn our attention to these bamboo doppelgangers and uncover why they so often get confused with the real deal.
Lucky Bamboo or Dracaena Sanderiana
If you want to spark a lively debate with a botanist or a bamboo enthusiast, just claim that Lucky Bamboo is indeed bamboo. Brace yourself for a detailed explanation of bamboo’s distinct characteristics and a convincing argument on why Lucky Bamboo does not belong to this plant group.
To keep it concise, Lucky Bamboo, scientifically known as Dracaena Sanderiana, is an entirely separate plant. Native to the African rainforest floor, it finds its place as a houseplant commonly used in Feng Shui practices. Gifted as a symbol of good luck, the number of stems it possesses holds significant meaning.
Lucky Bamboo comes in various shapes, such as straight, curly, or heart-shaped. It thrives when grown in water and may even flower if cultivated outdoors in soil. Indoor specimens can reach heights of 2-3 feet (1 meter), while outdoor plants can grow even taller.
Heavenly Bamboo or Nandina Domestica
Heavenly Bamboo, also known as Nandina Domestica, may not bear a strong resemblance to bamboo at first glance, except for its leaves, which somewhat resemble those of bamboo. This shrub, originating from Eastern Asia, produces vibrant red berries after blooming in the spring.
While it boasts attractive foliage colors, Heavenly Bamboo is considered toxic to many animals, including birds, and potentially harmful to humans as well. Hence, caution must be exercised when handling this plant. In the fall, its leaves take on a reddish-purple hue, and the red berries persist throughout winter.
Giant Cane or Arundo Donax
It’s easy to understand why people often confuse Giant Cane with bamboo, as reeds, in general, bear a striking similarity. Thriving in damp soil, Giant Cane, also known as Arundo Donax, shares traits with bamboo, including its stalk-like appearance. Native to Asia, it can reach towering heights of up to 35 feet. Like bamboo, it spreads via nodes on rhizomes, solidifying its position within the grass family.
Horsetail or Snake Grass
Horsetail, also referred to as Snake Grass or Puzzle Grass, hails from North America, Europe, and Asia. Flourishing in swamp-like conditions, it differs from bamboo in its classification. Rather than belonging to the grass family, it falls under the category of vascular plants, which also encompasses ferns, among others.
To the untrained eye, horsetail may bear a resemblance to small bamboo plants due to its jointed structure. However, it lacks foliage and is notorious for its invasive nature, spreading via underground runners.
Bamboo Palm or Chamaedorea Seifritzii
Chamaedorea Seifritzii, commonly known as Bamboo Palm, features stems that resemble bamboo culms, while its leaves bear a palm-like appearance. This plant thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, typically finding its place as an understory plant in rainforests.
Whether grown in containers or in gardens, Bamboo Palm can reach heights of up to 20 feet under optimal conditions.
Japanese Knotweed or Polygonum Cuspidatum
Though Polygonum Cuspidatum’s heart-shaped leaves differ from those of bamboo, this plant is occasionally mistaken for it. Known as Japanese Knotweed or Mexican Bamboo, it replicates through rhizomes, much like bamboo, and its segmented stems closely resemble the bamboo’s appearance. Its creamy-white flowers add to its charm.
While numerous other plants may also be mistaken for bamboo, these are the main culprits. However, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a plant that resembles bamboo, as long as you correctly identify it and ensure it’s neither invasive nor toxic.
Which Plant Fooled You?
Have you ever mistaken one of these bamboo imposters for the real thing? Let us know your experiences!
