Nandina domestica – Heavenly Bamboo, Sacred Bamboo
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Explore Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Nandina domestica | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Heavenly Bamboo, Sacred Bamboo
Family: Berberidaceae
Appearance: An evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub with upright, cane-like stems and finely divided, bamboo-like foliage that turns red to purple in cooler seasons. Produces clusters of small white flowers followed by bright red berries.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: Evergreen (semi-evergreen in colder climates)
Layer: Shrub layer
Root System: Fibrous, shallow root system with suckering habit
Height: 1–2.5 m
Width: 0.6–1.5 m
Lifespan: Long-lived
Growth Rate: Moderate
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Bees and other insects
Toxicity: Berries toxic to humans, pets, and livestock due to cyanogenic compounds
Nandina domestica | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: China and Japan
Companionship: Tolerates mixed shrub borders and understory plantings; spreads slowly via suckers and may compete with nearby plants
Invasive Range: Naturalized and invasive in parts of the southeastern United States
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6–9
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: Moderate tolerance
Drought: Moderate tolerance once established
Shade: High tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance – sensitive to prolonged waterlogging
Wind: Moderate tolerance
Maritime: Moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: High tolerance
Fire: Low tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Moisture: Moderate; prefers well-drained soils
Soil Type: Loam, sandy, or clay soils with good drainage
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Propagation
Seeds: Yes; viable from mature berries
Cuttings: Semi-hardwood cuttings root successfully
Nandina domestica | Functional Uses and Benefits
Permalogica cannot take any responsibility for any adverse reactions or health effects from using plants. Always consult a professional before using plants for medicinal purposes.
Edible: No
Medicinal: Used in traditional East Asian medicine (leaves and roots); use requires caution due to toxicity
Cosmetics: No
Animal Feed: Not suitable
Fiber: No
Timber: No
Firewood: No
Wind Break: No
Fence: Yes – used as ornamental hedge or border plant
Cover Crop: No
Mulch: No
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No confirmed data
Pollinator Attractor: Yes – flowers attract bees
Pest Repellent: No
Wildlife Supporter: Provides cover for birds; berries consumed by birds but may be harmful in large quantities
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