fast growing, winter hardy bamboo: Renewable resource

[runninfarmer]

I'm looking at researching bamboo as a possible renewable resource because of its ability to grow and spread so fast. I was wondering what would be the best bamboo that could produce the most biomass in 3-5 years. I'm from Iowa so it would have to be cold hardy from -10 to -15 degrees F. I'd like a large bamboo that would grow rather fast in the first 2-3 years, if possible. I'd appreciate any and all help becasue I really don't know anything about bamboo and its differnet species.


Thanks again!

[woodschmoe]

I'd suggest visiting the American Bamboo Society website: www.americanbamboo.org

Go to the "species source list", and you'll find an alphabetical listing of species, their cold hardiness, and links to growers. Don't know about hardiness in the low range you describe: the selection will be limited. phyllostachys bisetii, phyllostachys propinqua 'Beijing' and phyllostachys nuda come to mind.