Wikimedia Commons
Asparagaceae
Butcher's Broom
Ruscus aculeatus
Protection and cleansing.
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Genus
- Ruscus
- Native to
- Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Type
- evergreen shrub
- Height
- 1-3 ft
- Sunlight
- full shade to part shade
- Soil
- Well-drained, tolerates dry shade
- Water
- low
- Hardiness
- 7-9
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- What appear to be leaves on butcher's broom are actually flattened stems called cladodes, with the tiny flowers growing directly on their surfaces.
- Butchers historically used the stiff branches to sweep and clean their chopping blocks, giving the plant its common name.
- The bright red berries that appear on female plants can persist through winter, adding color to shady garden corners.
- Butcher's broom extract is used in modern herbal medicine to treat chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins.
- This ancient plant has been used since Roman times, when it was hung in homes to ward off evil spirits and mice.
Color meanings
0
resilience
1
humility
2
protection