Fargesia dracocephala

Fargesia dracocephala commonly known as White Dragon Bamboo, is a dense, clumping bamboo species native to the temperate regions of China, particularly in Sichuan province. It thrives in cool, moist mountain areas, at altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 meters above sea level. The bamboo has a height of 3 to 4 meters and a diameter of 1 to 2 cm, with culms that start light green and mature to a yellowish hue. The internode length is between 15 to 25 cm, and the culm sheath is pale green and deciduous. The leaves are linear-lanceolate, narrow, soft, glossy, and green, typically measuring 7 to 12 cm in length and 1 to 2 cm in breadth.

Fargesia dracocephala is known for its rarity in flowering, with a long flowering cycle of around 40 to 60 years. It is considered a non-flowering bamboo for practical purposes, as it rarely flowers in cultivation. Seed production is minimal, and the species is primarily propagated through methods such as clump division, culm cuttings, offsets, and tissue culture for mass production. The bamboo's slow reproductive cycle and limited seed production make clump division the most common method for propagation.

This bamboo species is widely valued for its ornamental uses. Fargesia dracocephala is often used in landscaping as an attractive, compact bamboo for gardens, parks, and as a hedge or privacy screen due to its dense growth habit. It is also useful for soil stabilization and erosion control in cooler climates. Although occasionally used for small-scale crafts, its primary value lies in its aesthetic qualities, making it a popular choice for ornamental landscaping.