Bamboo In Nebraska

Where to Find Bamboo in Nebraska

Bamboo is not native to Nebraska but there are species that can grow in parts of the state. However, Nebraska’s Hardiness Zones range from Zone 4b to Zone 6a. This means that in parts of the state, temperatures can drop to well below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. While there are a few species that can tolerate these bitterly cold temperatures, you must choose wisely and cultivate them carefully to help your bamboo grow and thrive. 

This article will cover the unique challenges of growing bamboo in Nebraska, some of the factors to consider before planting a bamboo plant, and potential benefits bamboo could bring to your home or garden. To connect you with experts growing bamboo in Nebraska, this article also rounds up multiple gardens, arboretums, and nurseries where you might find bamboo growing in your home state.

Let’s start by reviewing basic facts about bamboo. From there, we will explore in more detail the details of growing bamboo in Nebraska and neighboring parts of the United States. 

What is Bamboo?

Did you know that there are more than a thousand, and potentially closer to 2,000, plants known as “bamboo”? These species are plants in the grass family  Poaceae. These various plants are known for growing quickly, having woody and hollow stems, and sometimes reaching as tall as 100 feet high. Within the category of “bamboo” are diverse species, which range in size from tiny dwarf species to towering tree-like bamboo plants. 

Many people sort bamboo into two categories. The first is clumping bamboo. These bamboo plants grow in clumps and are relatively easier to contain than their counterparts, which are “running bamboos.” The species in this second category gained their name for sending “running” rhizomes underground. When running bamboo species send their rapidly-growing underground rhizomes out through the soil, it can become very difficult to eliminate the plants from parts of a landscape where you do not want them to grow. This is a main reason why many garden and landscape experts recommend planting only clumping bamboo species outdoors, and keeping running bamboos contained in pots or containers.

Over the course of human history, bamboo has been used across cultures as food, in medicine, as a building material, for paper, or even clothing textiles. Even today, there are numerous bamboo plant species that come in a great variety of sizes, shapes, and colors.

Uses for Bamboo

The great versatility of bamboo makes it suitable for numerous uses, and human ingenuity has converted bamboo into many products over the years. As a building material, bamboo is strong and durable. Because of this, even today, people use it to construct fences, trellises, bridges, and even for constructing homes. Bamboo can also provide material for chairs, tables, and other furniture. When woven into fabric, bamboo fibers can become the basis for linens and clothes. After processing, these fibers can also become a strong, durable paper, often found in eco-friendly notebooks and stationery. Throughout many cultures in history, bamboo has also been used for food and medicine. People who practice traditional medicines use bamboo leaves, shoots, and roots to treat a wide number of physical ailments. And, of course, bamboo is an important landscaping plant.

Challenges of Growing Bamboo in Nebraska

Before you decide to plant bamboo in Nebraska, you should be aware that doing so may prove difficult.

First, most bamboo species come from warm, humid, and tropical climates, such as those found throughout many countries of Asia. In contrast, Nebraska has a climate with hot summers and very harsh, cold winters. This makes it important to choose a species of bamboo that can handle cold winter temperatures.

Second, bamboo grows well in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil does vary across Nebraska, but the state often has heavy clay soil. This can make it difficult to grow healthy bamboo if you do not first test and modify your soil to be more suitable for bamboo cultivation.

Third, bamboo needs consistent moisture in order to thrive. Since Nebraska can experience prolonged seasons without rain, you may need to find an alternative watering solution to ensure your bamboo has sufficient moisture.

Fourth, bamboo grows best with plenty of sunlight. Since Nebraska often has cloudy days and less sun during the winter, you may find it challenging to provide the bamboo plant with enough sunlight to really flourish.

Fifth, pests and diseases can prove destructive to bamboo. These can include mites, scales, and fungal infections, which may be impacted by Nebraska’s dry climate. 

Lastly, there are likely other challenges particular to your specific part of Nebraska and your landscape. To identify and decide how to address those potential challenges, talk to a local plant expert and other gardeners in your local area to gain their advice.

How to Grow Bamboo in Nebraska

If you decide you would still like to grow bamboo in Nebraska, here are a few tips to help you do so successfully.

First, select a cold-hardy bamboo species. Since the Nebraska winters can be cold and harsh, choose a cold-hardy, easy-to-maintain clumping bamboo species that will not get out of hand and which can tolerate cold temperatures. These species may include Fargesia nitida (blue fountain bamboo), Fargesia robusta, or Semiarundinaria fastuosa (temple bamboo). 

From there, plant your bamboo in a place of well-draining soil with plenty of organic content to provide vital nutrients. Try to find a sunny location where the bamboo plant can soak up as much daylight as possible. If your part of the state does have heavy clay soil, you may want to build a raised bed or use a container to grow bamboo rather than putting it directly into the ground. Using a pot or container could also offer the added benefit of allowing you to move the bamboo indoors or to a garage or shed during the coldest part of the winter.

Next, plant that bamboo when the soil is relatively warm and moist, such as in the spring or summer. This will give your bamboo plants extra time to adjust to the environment before suffering the extremes of winter. Insulating the plants using plant materials, such as wood chips or straw, at the base of the plants, can help keep the plants warm and soil moist. Mulch generously!

Once you plant your bamboo, monitor the plants, prune them when necessary, water regularly, and make adjustments to protect the plants from harsh weather. 

Benefits of Growing Bamboo in Nebraska

Challenges aside, growing bamboo in Nebraska can bring multiple benefits. Bamboo plants are lovely, versatile, and fast-growing. Yet in addition to the obvious aesthetic value, bamboo can also offer shade, privacy, environmental improvement, and more.

First, bamboo groves, which can feature many tall stalks growing close together, can become natural privacy screens. The groves can dampen the noisiness of a busy road, offer shade from the sun, and bolster barriers reducing wind. Since bamboo groves are natural barriers, they can be much more attractive than a wall or fence. They also bring the additional benefit of providing a safe habitat for birds, insects, and animals – so this could be a great addition for birdwatchers and animal lovers! 

When it comes to environmental impacts, bamboo can benefit the soil and air. The shallow but thick roots of bamboo plants can serve to reduce erosion and stabilize the soil. This could benefit your garden or landscape if you are in a place where the land has degraded and rain brings flooding or washes soil away. Bamboo can also filter out pollutants from the air.

Since most bamboo plants are relatively low-maintenance and grow quickly, they are often thought of as an easy solution for landscaping needs. Since Nebraska is not their native environment and does bring some challenging weather, you may need to provide your bamboo with some extra support. But with that additional care and attention, you can find that it supports your local biodiversity, healthy ecosystems, and beautiful landscaping.

Bamboo Arboretums and Gardens in Nebraska

Before planting bamboo in Nebraska, you may choose to learn from local experts and horticulturalists about how they grow bamboo in the area. These people may also offer pro tips and provide you with help choosing the right bamboo species for the region you live in. 

There are several reliable ways you can learn how to cultivate bamboo in Nebraska. First, colleges and university extensions are trustworthy places to gain education or seek expert advice. Master Gardener groups and plant nurseries often have plant experts who are passionate and experienced gardeners. Since bamboo does not grow natively in Nebraska, you likely will not find it growing in the wild or state parks. However, many botanical gardens, zoos, arboretums, and zoos include bamboo species on their grounds or as part of educational displays. Going to one of these places might also give you the chance to attend educational workshops. 

Nebraska, as well as neighboring states, is home to botanical gardens and arboretums where the public may discover all kinds of native plants and learn about the local ecosystem. Many also feature rare or ornamental plants. learn and engage in learning about plants and the local ecosystem. Since botanical gardens and similar organizations are often founded with a vision for educating the public, you might be able to connect with staff who are knowledgeable about growing bamboo in Nebraska. This article lists several such places in Nebraska to help you discover places to visit and continue learning.

Botanical Gardens and Arboretums

Nebraska has several botanical gardens and arboretums, several of which may feature bamboo on display. 

Lauritzen Gardens at Omaha Botanical Center

The Lauritzen Gardens at the Omaha Botanical Center are described as a living museum, with plant displays for every season of the year. As an urban oasis, these grounds in the heart of Omaha offer unique garden areas and art exhibits, with regular events throughout the year celebrating artists, holidays, and environmental education. The more than 100 acres of gardens include an arboretum and bird sanctuary, children’s garden, English perennial border, festival garden, Japanese park, conservatory, railroad exhibit, rose garden, herb garden, woodland trail, tree peony garden, and many more.

Among these special gardens is the opportunity to see bamboo growing as a plant that is not native nor hardy in Omaha. In some of the exhibits, such as the Japanese Garden and some of the other gardens, you can see landscaping design that incorporates elements from Japanese and other Asian cultures, including bamboo plants, rocks, and Japanese maples.

The Lauritzen Gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with tickets available for purchase online. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $9 for children aged 3 to 12, and are free for children aged 2 and under. 

Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha is a popular zoo spread across 160 acres. The grounds feature diverse habitats from around the world, with numerous plants and animals for visitors to discover. The zoo regularly offers special events, special displays, and environmental education.

Among the zoo’s special exhibits is the Asian Highlands, which takes visitors through landscapes of Asia, from the foothills of India to the Himalayan Mountains. Along the exhibit path, visitors can take in numerous plant species, from deciduous hardwoods to rhododendrons and bamboo plants. These plants are part of the habitat of red pandas, the first animal along the journey, and one that eats bamboo as a staple food. Please note that this section of this zoo may be closed for maintenance, depending when you visit.

The zoo is open year-round, except on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Guests may purchase zoo tickets online or in-person. The specific hours vary throughout the year, with the zoo being open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April 1 to October 31, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from November 1 to March 31. Admission fees also vary throughout the year, with prices decreasing during the winter and rising during the more popular warmer seasons. Please check online for the most relevant information regarding ticket prices and discounts for seniors and military service members.

Other Places to Find Bamboo in Nebraska

In addition to the botanical garden and zoo named above, there are likely many other places where you can see bamboo growing in Nebraska. You may find these by researching nearby gardening groups, looking into horticultural societies, or joining associations dedicated to touring and hosting events at private estates. It is common for such local clubs and associations to facilitate events at private estates, which may give visitors the opportunity to see gardens and homes that would normally stay closed to the public. Some of these may include bamboo as a landscaping feature.

Before you plant bamboo, it is important to know that because it is considered an invasive plant in many parts of the U.S., some states and cities ban bamboo or have other rules governing which plants may be grown in the area. With that in mind, investigate local rules and regulations before you plant bamboo or any other species.

It is also a good idea to buy bamboo from a local plant nursery, where the employees understand how the plants grow in your area. This also offers the benefits of you buying plants that will not go into shock from the big difference in light and climate they may experience if grown far away. Locally-grown plants are often hardier than those brought in from out of state because they are already accustomed to the unique conditions and seasonal changes in your area.

With the right care and attention to the bamboo plants, many other people successfully grow bamboo in Nebraska. You can too! With these tips as a basis, go do further research. You are almost ready to begin a bamboo-growing adventure. Good luck!