Ruscus aculeatus aka Butcher's Broom
Taxonomy
Ruscus aculeatus, commonly known as butcher's-broom, is a low-growing, evergreen shrub native to Eurasia and some parts of northern Africa. It has flat shoots called cladodes that resemble stiff, spine-tipped leaves. In spring, small greenish flowers appear in the center of the cladodes, followed by red berries on female plants. The plant can spread through bird-distributed seeds as well as vegetatively via rhizomes. It thrives in woodlands, hedgerows, and coastal cliffs, tolerating deep shade. Ruscus aculeatus is often used as a landscape plant and is widely cultivated in gardens. It can be grown in zones 7 to 9 on the USDA hardiness zone map. A dwarf cultivar of this plant is available, featuring flattened shoots with sharp spines and displaying red berries in late summer. At maturity, Ruscus reaches heights of 3 feet or less and a width of 2 to 4 feet. Its unimpressive greenish-white flowers are overshadowed by the masses of shiny, bright red berries that provide a striking contrast to the shiny, green foliage. The Latin specific epithet aculeatus translates to "prickly."
Common names
Butcher's Broom, Box Holly, Cnowholen, Jew's MyrtleHow to care for Butcher's Broom
Difficulty
Butcher's Broom presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Water
Butcher's Broom should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Butcher's Broom loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it's common for Butcher's Broom to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
Fertilizer
The growth of Butcher's Broom is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
Butcher's Broom grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.
Region of origin
Butcher's Broom’s native range is Western and southern Europe from Britain to Switzerland, south to the Mediterranean.
More info:
Wikipedia
