Phyllostachys Aurea 'Golden Bamboo' was the first Phyllostachys introduced into the United States; Alabama in 1882. In warmer regions, this species forms open groves and is fast growing. The opposite is said for colder climates, in which the species is a less aggressive grower and tends to from tight groves. 'Golden Bamboo' is growing well in New York's climate zone 6 but in some micro-climates of zone 6, this species does not remain evergreen. This beautiful bamboo will drop foliage when temps drop to around 5 degrees F. Canes will most likely be killed when temps drop to -5. Unless temps drop to -30 degrees F. the root system of established well-mulched groves will put up new canes each spring. This bamboo has a unique appearance with compacted nodes provides a thick impenetrable grove when untrimmed. The culm nodes are compacted giving this species a great look on larger culms. On small plants and often on mature size culms, this species has low growing limbs. This species is very drought-hardy. Light green canes turning golden when exposed to sunlight. The culms (canes) are very strong and upright. The culms sheaths are pale/green to pale/red. The auricles and oral setae are absent from the sheaths. Culms are excellent wood quality, and the new shoots are edible.