Sasa veitchii, commonly known as Kuma bamboo grass or Kurile bamboo, is a perennial herbaceous bamboo native to the cool temperate forests of Japan and the Russian island of Sakhalin. It typically reaches 3 to 6 feet in height and is characterized by its broad, lush green leaves that can grow up to 8 inches long. As the leaves mature over winter, they develop distinctive light-colored edges, creating an attractive variegated effect. The plant forms dense clumps and spreads via rhizomes, making it an effective ground cover.

Kuma bamboo grass is valued for its ability to quickly cover the ground and create a lush, evergreen carpet, making it suitable for use in woodland gardens, as a ground cover, or for erosion control on slopes. It thrives in part shade to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. While it does not require much maintenance, it may need containment measures to prevent unwanted spread. Sasa veitchii is also used in traditional Japanese basketry and handicrafts. Gardeners should be aware that it can become invasive outside its native range, so it is important to check local regulations and control its spread accordingly.CC BY-SA 4.0