I love bamboo...unfortunately, it loves me too much. I made the mistake of planting Phyllostachys nigra in a corner of my property, after reading that it was "less invasive". Well, in just a few years the canes are now 15 feet or more in height, and spreads all over. However, I have the perfect means of control: steamed, raw, but sauteed is the best! I ate a lot of bamboo this spring.