The physical and chemical characteristics of culms of Bambusa textilis var.fasca were measured,and a comparative analysis with Phyllostachys edulis,B.textilis and Dendrocalamopsis oldhami were made.The results showed that the average basic density,air-dried density and oven-dried density of B.textilis var.fasca among different ages changed in the ranges of 0.523 ~ 0.632 g · cm-3,0.656 ~ 0.801 g · cm-3 and 0.658 ~ 0.777 g, cm-3 respectively.The density of B.textilis var.fasca increased with age.The basic density of B.textilis var.fasca with the age over 3 years was lower than that of reference P.edulis and B.textilis,but higher than that of D.oldhami.The average air-dried volume and oven-dried volume shrinkage ratio of B.textilis var.fasca with the age over 3 years were 9.6% and 13.6% respectively,which were higher than that of P.edulis.The radial shrinkage of B.textilis var.fasca was greater than tangential shrinkage and portrait shrinkage.The average ash content of B.textilis var.fasca with the age over 3 years was less than that of D.oldhami and B.textilis,but the average lignin content of B.textilis var.fasca with the age over 3 years was similar to that of B.textilis and less than that of D.oldhami.The holocellulose content of B.textilis var.fasca was more than 80%.The average content of pentosan,hot water extracts and 1% NaOH extracts of B.textilis var.fasca with the age over 3 years were also greater than that of D.oldhami and B.textilis.But the average content of benzene-alcohol extracts of B.textilis var.fasca with the age over 3 years was less than that of D.oldhami and B.textilis.Therefore it is suitable for B.textilis var.fasca to be used for pulpwood.