Difficult to control

Phyllostachys nigra is a declared plant in NSW. It is an invasive, running bamboo. The stems begin green and then darken to black with the passing weeks, while the leaves remain deep green. Reported to be less invasive than some others, but will form a thick grove. Wikipedia says “Phyllostachys is a genus of bamboo thought to be originally from Central China, but can now be found in many temperate and semi-tropical areas around the world. They have a prominent groove, called a sulcus, that runs along the length of each segment (or internode).” While not currently a prohibited or restricted invasive plant, Black bamboo is recognized as an environmental weed in South-East Queensland and requires careful management to prevent its spread and impact on the environment. 

Photo: Robert Whyte