Native Bamboo Replacement

[chschen]

Hi All,

My boyfriend's mother is planning her landscaping for her new yard and wants to plant bamboo. I know bamboo is not native to our state, and I'm trying to subtly encourage her to use more native plants. Does anyone have any good ideas for bamboo replacements that are native to California and that would not require too much maintenance? I think she likes the way bamboo looks, but I don't know what other reasons she has for wanting to plant bamboo. I appreciate any advice you can give.

Thanks,
Christine