The reason why Yangmingshan was called "Mt. Grass" before was because of its unique grasslands. Besides the well-known Cingtiangang Short-grass Land, the taller ones are consisted of Arrow Bamboos and awn. Arrow Bamboos are small, with a thin and flexible shaft that is ideal for making arrows, hence the name "Arrow Bamboo." Because its shell does not peel off even after the shoot matures, it is also called "Shelled Arrow Bamboo." Getting the needed nutrients through its stems that reach deep under ground, the new bud is what we know as the bamboo shoot.

The tender bamboo shoot is rich in fiber and promotes food digestion by stimulating intestinal movements. This is why prior to the national park status was given, the early settlers raised bamboo shoots as an economic crop, and such plantations can also be seen in hillside areas. After being granted the national park status, the "Key Points Governing the Permission of Harvesting Arrow Bamboo Shoots in YMSNP Area" were formulated in order to better assist the local farmers. People whose farms are within the national park area can request for permits, but harvesting is limited to two stages per year: 2/15 ~ 4/30 and 8/1 ~ 10/15.

In 1999 and 2000, the Arrow Bamboos actually "blossomed" －－ something that had not been seen in a hundred years. Months of blossoming led to a rich harvest, and afterwards, the old Arrow Bamboos died and were replaced by new ones. Starting 2000, YMSNP has started asking experts to conduct research which revealed the fact that the population of Arrow Bamboos was gradually being replaced by that of awn. Since Arrow Bamboos prefer a wet and cold climate whereas awn grows better in dry and hot areas, it will be interesting to see how these two would interact under global warming. From 2007 to 2008, YMSNP asked experts to conduct studies regarding the interactions between Arrow Bamboos and awn, and during this time the harvesting of Arrow Bamboos was completely banned in order for them to rejuvenate.

On 2009/1/22, YMSNP once again invited experts and conservation groups to inspect the sites and discovered that the bamboo shoots were still under-populated and were competing with awn for territory, and harvesting would surely reduce their population and run the risk of overpopulating the area with awn. Therefore, the ban has been extended for another two years, and no discussions on removing the ban will take place until 2010/12/31. During the ban, YMSNP Police and patrollers will continue to punish illegal harvesting. We sincerely ask you for your cooperation and joint effort in protecting the ecosystem.