There are around 1400 species of bamboo spread throughout the world's temperate, tropical, and subtropical regions. They grow from sea level to high mountainous regions and can be successfully grown in a range of climates, from coastal California to Minnesota, New England, the British Isles, and continental Europe. Versatile bamboos are both ornamental -- they have striking foliage and come in variety of colors and patterns -- and practical for providing screening and privacy and controlling erosion. They also play an important role in modern society: As a rapidly renewable resource, bamboos are an environmentally conscious solution for homes, gardens, construction, and manufacturing.The Timber Press Pocket Guide to Bamboos covers 35 genera of bamboos in cultivation and describes more than 300 species and cultivars. Each entry includes the plant's maximum height, maximum culm diameter, light requirements, and minimum temperature tolerated. Includes 300 color photographs for easy identification. Packed with all the authority of an encyclopedia in a pocket-size format, the Timber Press Pocket Guide to Bamboos is a perfect reference for taking to the nursery or garden center. - from Amzon