New York State specifically prohibits planting of two species of bamboo - golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea) and yellow grove bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata). The two prohibited bamboos cannot be purchased, introduced, propagated, transported or sold, so the regulation prohibits a homeowner from planting those species but does not prohibit them from being present in the landscape. See the list of Prohibited and Regulated Plants for NY State.

Counties and towns may have their own list of prohibited species, so check before you plant. There are also new ordinances being enacted by some municipalities that dictate the precautions that homeowners must take to control any running bamboos from spreading from their properties.

The two prohibited bamboos are running or spreading bamboos which can rapidly become invasive and threaten your and your neighbor's gardens. They are also difficult to eradicate once established.  If you want to grow bamboo in your garden use clumping bamboos, of which numerous species and varieties are available.

You can read more about the bamboo types that grow well in our cold winter area in Can I Grow Bamboo in the Northeast?

Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information