Tiger Grass (Thysanolaena latifolia): A Tropical, Bamboo-Like Grass for Foliage Effect

Tiger Grass, Thysanolaena latifolia, is a large, tropical grass native to Southeast Asia and the Himalayas. Despite its common name, it is not a true bamboo but a grass with broad, bamboo-like leaves that create a lush, tropical screen.

Impressive Stature

This perennial grass forms dense clumps of culms (stems) that can reach 6–10 feet tall. The leaves are very broad (up to 3 inches wide) and long, giving a bold, architectural texture. It rarely flowers in cultivation; when it does, the inflorescence is a large, branched panicle. It is evergreen in frost-free climates but dies back in cold winters, resprouting from the base.

Growing Requirements

Tiger Grass thrives in warm, humid conditions with rich, moist, well-drained soil. It prefers partial shade but tolerates full sun with ample water. It is not cold-hardy below about 20°F (-7°C). In temperate zones, grow as a dramatic annual or in containers brought indoors for winter. Its rapid growth and bold foliage make it ideal for instant tropical effects.