Background. Lowland Bamboo (O. abyssinica) is an indigenous multipurpose species in Ethiopia and endemic to Africa. Aims. The present study was aimed at investigating provenance variation on early survival rate and growth performance of O. abyssinica seedlings so as to obtain suitable provenance for production of high quality seedlings. Methods. Seeds were collected from Pawe and Sherkole districts. Following raise of seedlings data on survival count, culm height, root collar diameter (RCD), number of leaves, and biomass were recorded. Results. Pawe provenance had slightly higher survival rate (91%). Except seedlings RCD, rhizomes length, and roots fresh and dry weights, higher mean values of other morphological parameters were recorded in Sherkole provenance. Biomass of leaves and culms was higher in Shekole provenance, while root biomass was exceeded by the Pawe provenance. However, significant variations (P