Bamboo is technically a type of grass, not a tree! It belongs to the Poaceae grass family, although many bamboo varieties develop tall, woody stems that resemble tree trunks. Unlike traditional trees, bamboo grows from an underground network of rhizomes and can reach impressive heights relatively quickly.

Bamboo plants are generally classified as either running or clumping varieties. Running bamboo spreads through underground rhizomes, while clumping bamboo grows in tighter formations, making it a popular option for privacy screens and ornamental landscaping.