butcher's broom
Also known as: box holly; knee holly; knee holm; knee hull; kneeholy; pettigree; pettigrue; prickly box; shepherd's myrtle; wild myrtle
R. aculeatus is a bushy sub-shrub to 75cm, with glossy lance-shaped cladophylls 2.5cm in length, flowering in spring, with glossy red berries on female plants in summer and autumn
Scientific classification
- Species
- butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus)
- Genus
- Ruscus
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Toxicity
- Shrubs
- Plant type
- 0.5-1 metres
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- Evergreen
- Foliage
- Bushy
- Habit
- Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
- Season of interest
- Full shade · Full sun · Partial shade
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
butcher's broom pictures
Distribution of butcher's broom
Distribution map
Europe to Mediterr.
Information to be completed
Culture
Information to be completed
Toxicity
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Quick identification of butcher's broom
Information to be completed
butcher's broom care guide
- Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging
- Watering
- Full shade · Full sun · Partial shade
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Watering
Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging
Fertilizing
FertilizingBalanced feed in spring and light repeat in growth season
Pruning
PruningCut out dead stems to the base in spring
Propagation
PropagationPropagate by seed or division
Growing
GrowingDried stems may be used in floral arrangements. Individual shoots are short-lived. Grow in any but waterlogged soils
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Information to be completed
Common pests and diseases
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility
Pests
Generally pest-free
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