Abstract: The contents of nutrient components of the shoots of Mao bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) at different periods were analysed. The results showed that the contents of protein, ammo-acids, fat and carbohydrates etc. of the winter shoots underground were higher than those in the spring shoots above ground; that of moisture and cellulose remained relatively stable in the winter shoots but increased gradually in the spring shoots, and that of mineral nutrient elements was higher in the spring shoots than that in the winter shoots. Therefore, it was suggested that the most suitable periods for bamboo shoots harvest were from the second ten days of February to second ten days of March for winter shoots, and from the last ten days of March to the first ten days of April for spring shoots.