Phyllostachys nigra … Commonly known as running black bamboo … native of Hunan Province in China … Growing up to 3-7 m tall x 3 m wide , forms clumps of slender arching canes that turn black after two or three seasons … The abundant lance-shaped leaves are 5-12 cm long … Grows in thickets which add great effect to oriental themed gardens … Phyllostachys nigra is an upright (erect) bamboo and lends itself to planter boxes & large containers ..