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Heavenly Bamboo

Nandina domestica

Other Common Names

Sacred Bamboo, Nandina

Plant Category

Shrub

Invasive Description

Introduced as an ornamental from eastern Asia and India in the early 1800s, Heavenly Bamboo is an evergreen, erect shrub that grows to a height of 6-10 feet and width of 3 to 5 feet (Other cultivars including Dwarf Nandina are shorter in height). The plant is not a bamboo but has bamboo-like characteristics. It is widely grown as an ornamental because of its red berries, colorful foliage (pink in the spring and red in the fall) and carefree maintenance. The berries contain cyanogenic glycosides, which decomposes into hydrogen cyanide, making the berries toxic if eaten in large enough quantity to dogs, cats and ruminants. Audubon reports the berries eaten in quantity are toxic to birds also.

Ecological Threat

Heavenly Bamboo is an extremely tenacious, fast-growing plant, spreading by seed and an extensive underground root system. It outcompetes and eliminates natives due to its adaptability.  It can persist as a seedling for several years before maturing.  Eaten in a large enough quantity, the berries can sicken or be fatal to many animals including cats and birds and more quickly for ruminants.

How to Eradicate

For information on how to eradicate this invasive, view our statement on herbicide use and preferred alternatives for invasive plants.

Native Alternatives

You can replace this invasive plant with native alternatives. Here are some plants that make superior replacements.

Match your location on the Texas map to the color squares on the replacement plants below to find suitable replacements for your ecoregion.

Click for more details about the ecoregions