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Heavenly bamboo

How to identify Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica)

Heavenly bamboo, also known as Sacred bamboo

Heavenly bamboo is an evergreen shrub that resembles bamboo with its cane-like stems. This plant can reach heights of 6-8 feet (183-244 cm) and a span of about 4 feet (122 cm). The leaves are long, divided into slender leaflets, and the new growth has a reddish tinge. In autumn, foliage can change to orange-bronze or purplish-red. Late spring to summer brings clusters of pinkish-white flowers, followed by distinctive bright red berries at the terminals. It thrives in both sun or shade and can tolerate dry conditions, withstanding temperatures as low as 10 degrees F (-12 degrees C).

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Heavenly bamboo

1

Cane-like stems reach 6-8 feet (183-244 cm), resembling bamboo.

2

Leaves are bi- to tri-pinnately compound, reddish new growth, and 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) long.

3

Distinctive bright red berries, 0.3 inches (8 mm) in diameter, clustered at terminals.

4

Delicate white flowers with yellow anthers, 5-13 mm (0.2-0.5 inches) in diameter.

5

Foliage changes from bluish-green in summer to purplish-red in fall, creating a vibrant display.

Heavenly bambooHeavenly bambooHeavenly bambooHeavenly bambooHeavenly bamboo

Detailed Traits of Heavenly bamboo

Leaf Features

Leaves of heavenly bamboo are alternate, bi- to tri-pinnately compound, evergreen, and 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) long. The leaflets measure 0.75 to 3 inches (2-8 cm) long, are elliptic-lanceolate, entire, and glabrous. In spring, the leaves display a red to bronze color, turning bluish-green in summer and then purplish-red in fall. They are characterized by their smooth, bluish-green texture and lack of hairs.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Heavenly bamboo Leaf Arrangement image
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Flower Features

The flowers of heavenly bamboo are delicate and white, featuring vibrant yellow anthers. They measure between 5 to 13 mm (0.2 to 0.5 inches) in diameter. Blooming in late spring, these flowers grow in erect terminal panicles that are 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) long. Each panicle holds numerous small blossoms, creating an eye-catching display. The flowers' structure, with their distinct yellow anthers set against white petals, makes them a charming feature of the plant's seasonal bloom.

Heavenly bamboo Flower imageHeavenly bamboo Flower image
Inflorescence Type

Panicle

Heavenly bamboo Inflorescence Type image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of heavenly bamboo appears as vibrant red, round berries roughly 0.3 inches (8 mm) in diameter. These ornaments are clustered in large terminal panicles and tend to remain visible through the winter months. Within each berry are nestled two seeds, making them a distinctive feature of the plant. The texture and hardiness of the berries add to their recognizable nature, becoming a crucial point for identification during their fall fruition period.

Heavenly bamboo Fruit imageHeavenly bamboo Fruit image
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Key Facts About Heavenly bamboo

Attributes of Heavenly bamboo
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Height
1 m to 3 m
Spread
1.5 m
Leaf Color
Green
Red
Purple
Yellow
White
Variegated
Orange
Flower Size
6 mm to 7 mm
Flower Color
White
Fruit Color
Red
Stem Color
Green
Red
Purple
Leaf type
Evergreen
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Scientific Classification of Heavenly bamboo

Family
Barberry
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Genus
Nandina
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Species
Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica)
Learn More About the Heavenly bamboo

Distribution Map of Heavenly bamboo

Heavenly bamboo is native to South and Central China and India, and has been introduced to several other countries scattered around the globe. It is cultivated as an ornamental around the world, but can escape to thrive wild at forest edges and interiors. It is listed as invasive in several southeastern states in the US.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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