Chinese-bamboo
Nandina domestica
Last reviewed: June 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
Native to
GA
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
- Where is Chinese-bamboo native?
- Chinese-bamboo (Nandina domestica) is native to GA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Chinese-bamboo and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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