Question
3 years ago I was given a potted bamboo plant that was a clumping type.  It has grown dramatically with shoots as high as 30 feet with diameters at the base up to 7 cm (the base is oval shaped in cross section).  I would like to know the scientific name of this wonderful bamboo plant.  It looks to me as though it is similar to the bamboo that is used to make scaffolding at building projects.  Thanks for your suggestions.

Fred

Answer
where do you live? i'm in southern NJ. bamboos are in the grass family. most people think they are only tropical plants. some varieties will grow in the northeast and midwest outdoors. one type of outdoor bamboo is hardy in this area. i think it is in the Phyllostachys genus. many tropical indoor varieties exist. type www.americanbamboosociety.org or just bamboo
into your search engine and view a list of links on bamboo.
check all the pictures to match to yours. visit a local garden center/nursery to see what types grow in your area.
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thanks
rick