What state and ag zone are you in? That makes a big difference as to what will grow at your house.

Bamboo are not that easy to find in Oklahoma, and the weather will restrict what kinds succeed best there, so giving you a bunch of names that fit the description of "high and thick" may not be very helpful to you. By thick, did you mean that the grove was bushy, or do you mean that the individual culms were thick?

I'm assuming this was a bamboo that was growing locally. Can you talk to the owner and see if they know the species? Can you post some digital pictures? I see you're in Zone 6, but it would also help to know what your winters are like and whether this bamboo will be in an exposed, windy location, or more sheltered (like next to your house). We can make some suggestions and direct you to places to purchase, but, if you want this to be successful (i.e., getting the right bamboo for your locale), it would be good for you to provide a little more info. I'm not trying to be unhelpful, but I don't want to steer you wrong.

Thanks Chuck and Kudzu...Here's a little more info.The bamboo that he seen is a little ways away and I figure next time I go that way I just might stop in and ask what it is. Thick I mean that each stalk was very fat around,plus very very tall Our winters aren't bad but like this year we did get a couple of 3 degree nights. It does get windy here sometimes but I am thinking he wants to put the bamboo next to his barn.Now I have seen by some creeks here some small thin bamboo growing but he wants that kind that gets thick stalks. I know nothing about bamboo just what he pointed to and told me it was bamboo so I am just thrilled with the help. I am a succulent and house plant person and still am even terrible with those names. Thanks again for all your help.

Below is a link to a bamboo store in Oklahoma City. I don't think they have a very wide variety, but I bet it will grow there okay. It may be just what you are looking for.

Here is a link that might be useful: Alligator Alley

njdjs-
One other thing...there are a few plants that look like bamboo to people who aren't real familiar with it. If you want exactly what you saw, it would be good to be sure it's bamboo, rather than a large, invasive weed that's an imposter. In any case, the previous poster gave you good advice about buying from a dealer who stocks bamboo that are suitable for your area, and you should be able to make a happy choice that way. Good luck...and post a digital picture here if you have a chance of the stuff you first saw. If you want to look at pictures of any of the species listed at Alligator Alley, here is a link to a site that has many pictures arranged alphabetically by name...

Here is a link that might be useful: BambooWeb