To most people, bamboo conjures up images of giant pandas in rain-forest jungles. But it's not as exotic as some folks think. Many species grow well throughout Georgia. Most of the bamboo grown in this country came from Asia and Pan America. It grows in moist areas along Southeastern coastal marshes and inland streams.
Many people consider bamboo a nuisance, in the same league as kudzu.
But some bamboos grow in well-defined clumps and aren't invasive at all. The type you choose makes a world of difference. Running bamboo spreads by rhizomes that may grow 2 to 3 feet underground. They're sometimes used for erosion control and to screen large areas. But they're not the best choices for most home landscapes.