How much sun does Chinese-bamboo need?

Chinese-bamboo grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Chinese-bamboo bloom?

Chinese-bamboo blooms in May and June.

Is Chinese-bamboo toxic to dogs?

Yes. Chinese-bamboo is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Chinese-bamboo toxic to cats?

Yes. Chinese-bamboo is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Chinese-bamboo toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Chinese-bamboo as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Chinese-bamboo attract?

Chinese-bamboo draws bees and beetles.

Is Chinese-bamboo HOA-friendly?

Chinese-bamboo is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Chinese-bamboo

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Nandina domestica

Last reviewed: August 2026

Chinese-bamboo is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Chinese-bamboo as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

48"–96" H × 24"–60" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Chinese-bamboo

Chinese-bamboo is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Nandina is a popular evergreen shrub with bamboo-like stems and delicate compound leaves that turn reddish in winter. It produces small white flower clusters in late spring followed by bright red berries that persist through winter.

In an HOA neighborhood

Chinese-bamboo is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Berries may be considered messy when they drop

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. The colorful winter berries provide food for birds, though they can be toxic to some wildlife in large quantities.

Common questions

How much sun does Chinese-bamboo need?: Chinese-bamboo grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Chinese-bamboo bloom?: Chinese-bamboo blooms in May and June.
Is Chinese-bamboo toxic to dogs?: Yes. Chinese-bamboo is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Chinese-bamboo toxic to cats?: Yes. Chinese-bamboo is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Chinese-bamboo toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Chinese-bamboo as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Chinese-bamboo attract?: Chinese-bamboo draws bees and beetles.
Is Chinese-bamboo HOA-friendly?: Chinese-bamboo is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Chinese-bamboo and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.

Find pet-safe natives

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz