[1] Phyllostachys bambusoides is a "running" (monopodial type) evergreen bamboo[1] which can reach a height of roughly 20 m (66 ft) and a diameter of 10 cm (3.9 in).

The culms are dark green, with a thin wall that thickens with maturity, and very straight, with long internodes and two distinctive rings at the node.

[4][5] In Asia, Phyllostachys bambusoides, known in Japan as madake, is one of the preferred bamboos for construction and furniture manufacture.

[citation needed] Its properties also make it useful in a number of traditional Japanese arts and crafts: Phyllostachys bambusoides is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate zones worldwide, with numerous cultivars being available.

Some grow to extreme lengths and heights, making them typically only suitable for parks and large gardens; however, more compact cultivars are available.