Chinese-bamboo (Nandina domestica, Nov. Gen. Pl.: 14 (1781))

Family: Berberidaceae

Author: Thunb.

Bibliography: Nov. Gen. Pl.: 14 (1781)

Year: 1781

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Nandina

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & S. China, Japan

Description

The Chinese-bamboo, known scientifically as Nandina domestica, is a captivating plant that originates from the rich and diverse ecosystems of central and southern China as well as Japan. First described in 1781 by the notable botanist Thunberg in his work Nov. Gen. Pl., this species has since captured the attention of horticulturists and garden enthusiasts around the world.

Belonging to the Berberidaceae family, the Chinese-bamboo is a woody shrub distinguished by its multifaceted beauty and year-round interest. Its striking foliage undergoes a stunning transformation with the changing seasons, starting with vibrant, pinkish-red new growth in the spring, transitioning to lush green during the summer months, and culminating in a brilliant crimson display as autumn approaches. These seasonal changes ensure that the plant remains a focal point in any garden.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Chinese-bamboo also produces delicate, white flowers from late spring to early summer. These flowers are typically born in large, showy panicles that dangle gracefully, adding to the plant’s ornamental value. Following the flowering period, clusters of small, round, red berries emerge, persisting into winter and providing a vibrant contrast to the often-dreary winter landscape. These berries, while visually appealing, are unfortunately toxic if ingested, so care should be taken if planted in areas accessible to children or pets.

The versatility of Nandina domestica is notable. It thrives in a variety of soil types provided they are well-drained and can adapt to both full sun and partial shade conditions. As an added benefit, this hardy plant demonstrates considerable drought tolerance once established, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens and water-wise landscapes.

Despite its common name, the Chinese-bamboo, this plant is not a bamboo at all. Its name likely stems from its erect, cane-like stems that mimic those of true bamboo. However, unlike true bamboos, it does not spread aggressively, making it a more manageable choice for garden settings.

In summary, Nandina domestica, or the Chinese-bamboo, is a versatile, low-maintenance, and seasonally dynamic plant that enriches any garden with its year-round beauty. Whether used as a single specimen, a hedge, or a part of a mixed border, its presence is sure to enhance the visual appeal and diversity of your garden landscape.

Common Names

Eng: chinese-bamboo, sacred bamboo, heavenly bamboo, heavenly-bamboo, nandina, nanten, sacred-bamboo, southern heaven-bamboo
Swe: nandina
En: Chinese-bamboo, Heavenly-bamboo, Sacred-bamboo, Southern heaven-bamboo, Nandina, Sacred bamboo, Heavenly bamboo, Nanten
Af: Japanese bamboes
Fi: Nandina
Ja: Nanten
Pt-br: Bambu-celeste, Bambu-do-céu, Avenca-japonêsa
Sv: Nandina

Synonyms

• Nandina domestica alba (W.B.Clarke)
• Nandina tomentosa (Wehmer)
• Nandina domestica f. alba ((W.B.Clarke) Rehder)
• Nandina domestica f. longifolia ((Dippel) Rehder)
• Nandina denudata (Lavallée)
• Nandina domestica var. linearifolia (C.Y.Wu ex S.Y.Bao)
• Nandina domestica f. purpurea (Beecher)
• Nandina domestica f. gigantea (Beecher)
• Nandina domestica var. longifolia (Dippel)
• Nandina tsermonanten (Hassk.)

Distribution

• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Japan (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Arkansas (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Tennessee (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Oct 31, 2017 by Rodilard Raminagrobis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2019 by Chidouche Chidouche Pierrette (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 22, 2018 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 22, 2018 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 6, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2016 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 22, 2018 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 31, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2016 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2016 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 2, 2015 by EOL − redfaux (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Kennedy Brinson (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2022 by Samantha Goncalves (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2020 by Lizbeth Acuna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Nov 6, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 27, 2020 by Carson Yunk (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2015 by EOL − Erika Leydig (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 15, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2020 by Pierre Sosson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5371712)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:107544-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Nandina domestica Thunb.)

Specifications

Growth form: Multiple Stem

Growth habit: Shrub

Growth rate: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.0

Ph minimum: 4.5