Bamboo is actually a giant grass, not a tree
Even though bamboo can grow as tall as a skyscraper, it belongs to the same family as the grass in your backyard!
3 mins read
Last updated: February 2, 2026 at 05:17 PMEven though bamboo can grow as tall as a skyscraper, it belongs to the same family as the grass in your backyard!
If you see a tall bamboo stalk in the forest, you might think it is a tree because it is strong and wooden. But scientists say that bamboo is actually just a very, very big cousin of the grass on your lawn.
Unlike trees, which grow a little bit wider every year with "rings" inside their trunks, bamboo stays the same thickness from the moment it pops out of the ground. It doesn't have bark or a solid wooden core. Instead, it is hollow inside, just like the tiny blade of grass you see in the park. Because it is a grass, it can grow incredibly fast - some types can grow 3 feet in just one day!
Bamboo belongs to the Poaceae family, which is the scientific name for the grass family. This means it is related to wheat, rice, and even the corn we eat. Most trees take many years to grow tall, but because bamboo is a grass, it can reach its full height in just a few months.
Even though it is technically "cỏ" (grass), bamboo is amazingly strong. People use it to build houses, bridges, and furniture because its hollow tubes are light but can support a lot of weight. It is like a super-powered version of grass that decided to reach for the clouds.
Bamboo is a grass, not a tree. It doesn't have rings or bark, it is hollow inside, and it grows much faster than any tree could. It’s basically the world's tallest and strongest lawn ornament!