Heavenly or Sacred Bamboo, Nandina domestica, is not very heavenly in Florida. It is native to Asia, introduced in the US, and can be found in forests and hammocks throughout Florida.

Heavenly Bamboo is not bamboo. It is a shrub that grows to about 7 feet tall. Reproduction may occur through vegetative regeneration, however, it is known to reproduce through seed dispersal. Red berries appeal to birds and other animals. The tiny white flowers and bright red berries appear harmless.

Heavenly Bamboo is poisonous to some animals. Cyanogenic glycosides can be found in the foliage and the fruit. The shrub is a species of concern because it may compete with understory plants and threaten several of Florida’s endangered wildflowers.

If you have this plant in your yard, IOF recommends you remove it. Protect wildlife and ecosystems when you replace Heavenly Bamboo with one of Florida’s native shrubs.

For more information:
https://www.fs.fed.us/datab…/…/plants/shrub/nandom/all.html…