ExplorePlants

Heavenly bamboo

Nandina domestica

Heavenly bamboo is a lovely plant with bright green leaves that turn red in the fall. It grows small white flowers and colorful berries that birds love to eat!

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Heavenly bamboo has distinctive upright, cane-like stems with delicate, fern-like green leaves that transform into vibrant reds and purples in cooler weather. It features clusters of small white flowers followed by bright red berries, making it visually striking year-round.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRanunculalesFamilyBerberidaceaeGenusNandina
Heavenly bamboo
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgeornamental trait badgeshrub trait badge
Heavenly bamboo

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Despite its name, it's not related to true bamboo at all, but a unique shrub!

In Japan, this plant's leaves symbolize protection against evil spirits and good fortune.

Its vibrant berries can remain on the plant throughout the entire winter season!

Some rare varieties of Heavenly bamboo actually produce beautiful white berries instead of red!

Special abilities

Ability

Chameleon Leaves

Heavenly bamboo has leaves that change from green to fiery red in fall, helping it survive temperature shifts and stand out.

Ability

Toxic Shield

Heavenly bamboo can produce toxic compounds in its berries and leaves, which helps defend it from being eaten by many animals.

Ability

Berry Dispersal

Heavenly bamboo produces bright red berries that attract birds, which helps disperse its seeds across new areas, though berries are harmful.

Ability

Underground Network

Heavenly bamboo can spread through underground rhizomes, allowing it to quickly form dense clumps and colonize new space.

Measurements & details

Height
150-250 cm
Spread
60-120 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
High
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

Feeds on nectar, aiding plant reproduction.

eaten by

Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

Sometimes consumes berries, which are toxic.

Traits

Also known as

NandinaSacred bamboo

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Do not eat the berries, as they can make you feel sick.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Heavenly bamboo?

150-250 cm

How wide does Heavenly bamboo spread?

60-120 cm

How big are the flowers on Heavenly bamboo?

0.5-1 cm

When does Heavenly bamboo bloom?

Late spring to early summer

Is Heavenly bamboo edible?

No

Is Heavenly bamboo toxic?

High

What is Heavenly bamboo's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Heavenly bamboo pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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