Bamboo shoots and trees: Toxic snakes in the grass

Bamboo has achieved its green reputation for sound reasons. As one of the world's fastest growing plants, it grows up to 1 foot per day and can be harvested in an average five years, as opposed to the 40 to 120 years it takes to grow most trees.  However, there are a few snakes in the grass; not all aspects of bamboo are entirely green.