Plant leaf spectral reflectance is closely related to leaf chlorophyll content (LCC). The present study investigated the canopy leaf reflectance spectrum characteristics of Phyllostachys violascens under drought stress with 2 a potted plants and water control methods. The correlation between LCC and first derivative of spectral reflectance together with spectral characteristics parameters were calculated and analyzed. The regression equation of vegetation index and LCC was build based on the reflectance spectrum sensitive wavelengths of LCC. The results indicated that:the LCC in P. violascens leaves was significantly reduced under severe drought stress conditions. In the visible region, the spectral reflectance of leaves increased with the decrease of LCC. The correlation with LCC and first derivative of spectral reflectance at wavelengths of 493 nm, 639 nm, 693 nm and 756 nm was higher. The correlation coefficients between LCC and spectral characteristic parameters such as green peak reflectance, red valley reflectivity, blue edge area and green peak area was higher than other parameters. The correlation between the modified vegetation index and LCC was better than that of original vegetation index. The regression equation based on spectral reflectance and first derivative of spectral reflectance at four wavelengths (493 nm, 639 nm, 693 nm, and 756 nm) together with the modified green normalized vegetation index (mGNDVI) were optimal equation for estimation LCC of P. violascens. The results can provide a basis for the rapid and nondestructive determination of LCC. Furthermore, it can provide guidance for scientific management and post-disaster evaluation of bamboo forests under seasonal drought conditions.