Pleioblastus argenteostriatus f. glaber ("Nezasa")

Japanese name: ネザサ （根笹）
Scientific name: Pleioblastus argenteostriatus f. glaber

[Overview]
A sasa (bamboo grass) 1–3 m tall, found in grasslands and mixed woodlands from the plains to low mountains, from Kanto westward.
The rhizomes creep for a long distance, and it often grows in colonies.
The culms (stems) stand upright from the base and are 1–1.5 cm in diameter; the nodes are swollen and wrapped in bamboo sheaths.
Each node bears 1–5 branches.
The leaves are lanceolate, about 15–25 cm long and 2–3 cm wide, hairless on both sides, somewhat thick, and do not hang down.
The part at the tip of the leaf sheath where the shoulder hairs attach is nearly horizontal.
The auricles are not developed, and the shoulder hairs are erect, white and smooth.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by division.
It can be planted at any time of year, but spring and autumn are best.
It prefers a sunny to partially shaded site with good drainage and good water retention.
Western sun or strong direct summer sun can scorch the leaves, so bright shade such as under deciduous trees gives better leaf color.
If it runs short of water, the leaves may curl or wither, and it also dislikes drying of the rhizomes, so it is better to avoid extremely dry places.
It is robust and spreads by extending its rhizomes, so to keep it from multiplying too much, it is better to build a frame underground.
To keep the plant low, cut it back in February–March.
Rainfall is sufficient for watering.
Fertilizer is not particularly necessary.
There are no particular pests or diseases.

[Notes]
Some authorities distinguish plants with hairs on the culm sheaths or nodes as Gokidake.

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