Ruscus aculeatus
BUTCHER’S BROOM
Evergreen, Shrubs
RUSCUSFlattened, leaflike branchesdo the work of leaves for theseOld World natives, bearing tinygreenish white flowers in thecenters of their upper surfaces.They are interesting in driedarrangements. If both male andfemale plants are present, orif you have a plant with maleand female flowers, bright red(sometimes yellow), marble-sizefruit follows flowers. Tolerantof dry shade, a wide variety ofsoils, and competition fromtree roots, these are valuablegroundcovers under trees. Theyspread widely by rhizomes.Plants are subject to chlorosisin the desert.
Ruscus aculeatusNative fromthe Mediterranean and Blackseas to the British Isles andthe Azores. To 1–4 ft. tall, withbranched stems. Spine-tipped“leaves” are 1–3 in. long, athird as wide, leathery, dull darkgreen.
Ligustrum japonicum 'Recurvifolium'
Leaves are wavy-edged, twisted at the tip, and slightly smaller than those of the species. Somewhat op...
Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens', 'Red Sage'
Leaves flushed with red- violet when new, slowly mature togray-green.
Ruscus
Flattened, leaflike branchesdo the work of leaves for theseOld World natives, bearing tinygreenish whi...
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