Phyllostachys aureosulcata                          
    "Yellow Groove"

     This is a very useful bamboo due to its upright stature, vigorous growth, and tough-as-nails hardiness.
    It is often referred to as "Crookstem Bamboo" due to an unusual phenomenon where, occasionally, a new shoot suddenly changes direction when it has achieved 1-2 feet in height, forming a zigzag pattern at the base, as shown in the photo on the right. This adds distinct character to culms and, by way of selective pruning, one can emphasize this effect.  We have seen culms bend to extreme angles, sometimes rotating over 90° in a 24 hour period. 
    What causes this?  The truth is, nobody knows for sure. Though we speculate it may be caused by a few different factors:  Sudden changes in weather patterns during the bamboos shooting phase. Insufficient energy temporarily directed to that particular culm. Possible microbial influence or perhaps undue stress cause by rodent or insect activity.  It is possible to manipulate the growth of the new shoot by building a brace or mold to redirect the young culm. 
Let your imagination wander.
    Yellow Groove, having a yellow sulcus (the indentation in a culm found just above the branches), is the reverse color of the
P. aureosulcata 'Spectabilis' .  The two plants are members of the same species and have almost identical growth habits and leaf pattern.  They grow well together and provide a sharp contrast of colors.
   The vigorous growth of P. aureosulcata may be its best quality. A two gallon plant is about two feet tall but can easily achieve 20+ feet in height and spread within 5 years when given reasonably good growing conditions.
    It is a great choice for a tall privacy screen and can tolerate just about any condition, though performs best when given a loose, rich layer of topsoil mixed with compost or manure and watered three to four times per week through the summer, as required by the weather.