Ruscus aculeatus - butcher's broom (Square vase 7x7x10 cm)

Genus of 6 species of evergreen, rhizomatous subshrubs from the forests of Madeira and the Azores, Europe and North Africa to Iran. Ruscus Aculeatus is an evergreen perennial herb up to 70-100 cm tall, with a creeping rhizome. Green stems and lanceolate “leaves” of a magnificent bottle green, with an apical thorn. In reality they are not “leaves” but modified branches (cladodes) just like the “pads” of the prickly pear. Dioecious plant, with inconspicuous flowers and large, very decorative red berries.

Pedoclimatic requirements

Butcher's broom is a typical plant of the Mediterranean undergrowth. It is found in coastal and hilly environments and does not tolerate excessively intense and prolonged cold (up to -6°-8/C). It grows in woods, especially in oak groves, on subacid or calcareous soil, in environments rich in organic matter. It requires a light, well-drained substrate with a good content of organic matter. Being an undergrowth plant, it prefers a shaded and cool exposure. Although it tolerates a certain summer dryness, it benefits from regular irrigation. Butcher's broom was traditionally used to protect food stored in the cellar and fruit trees from mice, it is edible and medicinal: the spring shoots (turions) are similar to asparagus, while the rhizomes are used in medicine and cosmetics for their diuretic and vasoconstrictor properties.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Ruscus aculeatus

Family: Asparagaceae