1 Internodes at the base of principal culms dissimilar in length, the lowermost internode 1-12 cm long, the next 3 internodes distinctly longer, with nodal junctions mostly straight across

1 Internodes at the base of principal culms all similar in length, mostly 4-8 cm, with nodal junctions oblique.

  2 Groove on internode (above the branch) the same color as the rest of the culm.

    3 Internodes of principal culms densely velvety; outer surface of culm sheaths with abundant erect brown hairs; lowest internode of principal culms ca. 5 cm long; culms pale green at first, becoming gray with accumulated waxy powder in age

    3 Internodes of principal culms glabrous or slightly hairy; outer surface of culm sheaths lacking erect brown hairs; lowest internode of principal culms ca. 8.5-12 cm long; culms various (see below, but not as described in first lead).

      4 Largest culms to 15 cm in diameter and 25 m tall; upper culm sheaths with auricles; outer surface of culm sheaths usually with a green streak down the middle, flanked by streaks of purple and buff; culms medium to dark glossy green at first (some cultivars golden yellow or yellow streaked), remaining so in age

      4 Largest culms to 3.2 (-4) cm in diameter and 10 m tall (rarely taller); upper culm sheaths with or without auricles; outer surface of culm sheaths variously streaked, spotted, or mottled with brown or red (but not as above); culms pale green to green at first, usually becoming purple spotted, gray, or yellow in age.

        5 Lowest internode of principal culms ca. 8.5 cm long; culm sheaths with auricles, usually sparsely pubescent with erect, pale hairs, usually pinkish-brown at maturity, marked with numerous brown spots near the tip; culms green at first, usually becoming speckled and then more-or-less completely darkened with purplish spots (remaining green in some cultivars)

        5 Lowest internode of principal culms ca. 12 cm long; culm sheaths lacking auricles, glabrous, usually green to buff at maturity, striped and marginally bordered with red; culms pale green at first, becoming gray to yellowish in age