Shibataea kumasasa, commonly known as ruscus-leaf bamboo or ruscus bamboo, is a compact, clump-forming evergreen bamboo in the grass family, native to the understory of broad-leaved forests in Eastern China and Japan. It typically grows to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) tall and is noted for its unique foliage, which resembles that of the genus Ruscus, with dark green, glossy leaves. This bamboo does not typically produce flowers or seeds in cultivation, and its growth rate is considered moderate. The plant forms a dense, bushy habit, making it an attractive option for a low hedge or screen.

Ruscus-leaf bamboo has been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its excellence for garden use in the UK. It is valued for its ease of maintenance and the textural quality it adds to garden compositions. Shibataea kumasasa is suitable for urban planting, border planting, and as a ground cover in shaded areas. It prefers partial shade to full sun and requires medium amounts of water, with adaptable drainage conditions ranging from slow to fast. While it is not known for being particularly problematic with diseases, its creeping rootstock can lead to invasiveness in favorable conditions, so containment measures may be necessary to prevent unwanted spread. It can become invasive in cultivation (e.g., the UK) via creeping rhizomes that spread if unchecked.CC BY-SA 4.0