it grows wild here, and there are several types. some are "running" and NOTHING will stop them short of a metal container. others are clumping and grow slowly. they are the kind best used for privacy screens, but hedge is the wrong word. they don't do well if you cut the tops off, so they need to grow naturally to their full hight, usually 15 feet or so. but if placed well, they make a great privacy screen that is nearly impenatrable.

and yes, depending on the type grown, they can be used for water pipes.

I bought some bamboo from this place and it was beautiful until my neighbor sprayed it with roundup.
http://www.bambooheadquarters.com/

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gailo

I bought a clump of bamboo this year, I am in zone 5, it's supposed to be very vigorous - it's done pretty abysmal this year. I started it off in deep shade, and it looked terrible, so I moved it to a nice summy location. I'll let you know how it does if it makes it next year. It almost looks like sea grass, very pretty. I heard some bamboos don't do much the first year of two as they are growing underground - then BAM - there they go upwards.