Thanks. I'm still researching and it looks like it may be the aftermath of
aphid infestation. I found this link and it's very familiar, except my
leaves are smooth now, not crusty or powdery like the one's in the
photo...just the black is left.

http://www.bamboopeople.com/image_de...d.cfm?i_id=335



"Beecrofter" wrote in message
om...
"Dwayne Burbridge" wrote in message
...
I have several varieties of bamboo, some potted and some in the ground
within barriers in the Pacific Northwest. Several, especially the
yellow
and golden, have some nasty black spots on the leaves. New shoots are
continuing to come up on the infected plants. The black and tiger
bamboos
don't have the spots. Any help? Is this the standard black spot fungus
that plants like roses get? How do I get rid of it?
thanks

Most likely it is "sooty mold" growing on mite or insect waste.
Look the softer parts over with a hand lens.