Pseudosasa Japonica ‘Tsutsumiana’ — Green Onion
Pseudosasa japonica ‘Tsutsumiana’ — Green Onion is a unique and highly ornamental bamboo selection known for its unusual culm structure and graceful evergreen foliage. This cultivar is a form of Japanese arrow bamboo that typically reaches 6–12 feet tall, forming dense, upright thickets. While more modest in size than timber bamboo species, it stands out immediately due to its distinctive “bulging” internodes that give the culms a knotted, segmented appearance reminiscent of green onions.
The most striking feature of ‘Tsutsumiana’ is its swollen, irregularly spaced culm joints, which create a sculptural, almost whimsical effect along each stem. The canes are typically a deep green and remain attractive year-round, complemented by broad, lush leaves that give the plant a full, tropical look. This combination of unusual structure and dense foliage makes it a favorite for collectors and specialty bamboo gardens.
As a running bamboo, it spreads by rhizomes and will form colonies over time if not contained, though it is generally less aggressive than larger timber species. It performs well in partial shade to full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Hardy in USDA zones 6–9, ‘Tsutsumiana’ is valued for its durability, year-round screening ability, and its highly unusual ornamental character that makes it a conversation piece in any landscape.