Ruscus Species, Butcher's Broom, Christmas Berry Butcher's Broom
Ruscus aculeatus
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Genus: | Ruscus (RUS-kus) (Info) |
| Species: | aculeatus (ah-kew-lee-AY-tus) (Info) |
| Synonym: | Oxymyrsine pungens |
| Synonym: | Ruscus flexuosus |
| Synonym: | Ruscus laxus |
| Synonym: | Ruscus parasiticus |
| Synonym: | Ruscus ponticus |
Category:
Shrubs
Water Requirements:
Sun Exposure:
Partial to Full Shade
Foliage:
Evergreen
Foliage Color:
Height:
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Spacing:
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
Where to Grow:
Danger:
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color:
Chartreuse (yellow-green)
Bloom Characteristics:
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Late Winter/Early Spring
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
Seed Collecting:
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Regional
This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:
Raleigh, North Carolina
Austin, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
Gardeners' Notes:
| Rating | Content |
|---|---|
| Positive | On Oct 4, 2007, JerusalemCherry from Dunellen, NJ (Zone 6b) wrote: Sometimes called Christmas Berry, Butcher's Broom. Origin of this plant is listed as England, Iran, Mediterranean area. |
| Positive | On Sep 24, 2004, philomel from Castelnau RB Pyrenées, This plant is a native of Europe and is an indicator species for ancient woodland. |
| Neutral | On Sep 23, 2001, Baa wrote: Evergreen, peculiar shrub native to West and Southern Europe and not uncommon in Great Britain. |
