The genus Sasaella is a group of small and medium-sized bamboo, native to Japan, including a handful of ornamental species. Sasaella is one of about 100 genera of bamboo, all classified in the grass family. Small in stature, but these dwarf bamboo have running rhizomes that allow them to spread quickly. The genus has about a dozen species, relatively few compared to Bambusa, for example, which has more than 150.
This article is part of a larger ongoing series about bamboo taxonomy, covering dozens of genera and species of bamboo.
- The Bamboo Species Directory
- Running bamboo vs. clumping bamboo
- Genus Bambusa
- Genus Dendrocalamus
- Genus Phyllostachys
- Genus Yushania
Characteristics of the Genus Sasaella
Sasaella includes some attractive, low-growing bamboo that can provide a lovely accent or ground cover. It is especially suitable in a Japanese garden as a complement to taller timber bamboo, small pine trees, and Japanese maples.
Most varieties of Sasaela only grow a few inches or a few feet tall. But their roots have a running habit and can spread quickly. Like most runners, they are quite cold-hardy, with evergreen foliage, although there may be some frost damage when winter temperatures fall below 10º F. The leaves are not generally as wide as those from their close relatives in the genus Sasa.
To contain these compact, running bamboo, it’s recommended to use a rhizome barrier of some kind. The shortest species can be cut back after a cold winter. If the bamboo is well-established and more than a few years old, the new growth should fill in quickly in the spring. Pruning back the old growth will stimulate more vigorous shoots and help the plant look fresh and vibrant.
Common species of Sasaella
The genus Sasella has about 10-12 species, all native to Japan. A few of them have been adopted more widely as ornamental species.
Sasaella bitchuensis: Native to southern Japan, this species is hardy to about 0º F. It can tolerate shade or sun, but will grow taller, up to 3 or 4 feet with more sun. Mowing it down in the winter will allow fresh new growth to fill in and keep the foliage fresh and dark green.
Sasaella masamuneana ‘Albostriata’: This is the most popular and widely grown ornamental species of Sasaella. What’s most appealing are the variegated leaves of light green and white. Regular mowing is highly recommended to help the leaves maintain their vibrant color. Otherwise, they can grow up to about 5 feet tall. Without proper containment, they will spread quickly. Suitable for pots and containers.
Sasaella ramosa: One of the lower-growing varieties, this species is excellent as a groundcover. Foliage is dark green and keeps its color through the winter. It can grow well in the sun or the shade.
Further reading
If you enjoyed learning about these unusual Japanese bamboo varieties, you may also find the following article sinteresting.
FEATURE IMAGE: Sasaella ramosa at the Berlin Botanical Gardens. Photo by Fred Hornaday.
