Bio Facts: Mexican Weeping Bamboo
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Common Name:
Mexican Weeping Bamboo
Scientific Name:
Otatea acuminata ssp. aztecorum
Origin:
Hot lowlands and mountain slopes of Mexico (often seen with cacti and agaves)
USDA Cold Hardiness Zones:
8-11 (hardy to 22F)
Light Requirements:
Full sun to part shade
Soil Requirements:
Well drained soil
Notes:
- More drought tolerant than most other bamboos
- Grows to 20’ with a 1 ½” culm diameter (subspecies aztecorum is taller than acuminata, which grows to 15’)
- Clumping bamboo, 1-2 feet spacing between culms-some consider this slightly invasive
- Evergreen, thin, delicate leaves on weeping branches
- “Otatea” means “solid cane” or “bamboo” in the Aztec language (Nahuatl). The genus Otatea consists of 2-3 species ranging from Central America to South America
- Used for building huts, fences, roofs, baskets, furniture, and toys. This bamboo is resistant to rot, fungus and insects.
