Ruscus snittblomma
You can also grow these plants from cuttings. The ruscus shrub is not technically a shrub, despite the name — it is shrub-like but lacks woody growth and can be referred to as evergreen perennials. Ruscus shrubs are usually dioecious, which means that the species have separate male and female plants. Bloom FAQ The Ruscus genus comprises roughly seven different species of flowering plants. Ruscus, commonly known as butcher’s broom, is a genus of six species of flowering plants, native to western and southern Europe, Macaronesia, northwestern Africa, and southwestern Asia east to the Caucasus.
A ratio of one male plant to about 6 female plants is generally recommended. On female plants, these flowers mature into bright red berries. Of course, rusucs, with its attractive flattened stems and winter interest, can also be used in holiday flower arrangements, too. Ruscus are pretty hardy in the garden. You can keep ruscus looking neat and tidy by cutting dead shoots back to the ground in spring.
Ruscus can be grown in a wide variety of well-drained soils. These plants have only moderate water requirements and can withstand dry conditions, but light watering will not harm them.
Ruscus Plant Care — The Definitive Guide
Divide plants at the roots in the non-growing season, preferably in late spring. Only saturated soils are not tolerated. These plants grow in shady areas of and in rocky coastal environments. It is probably safer to avoid eating this plant without advice from a medical professional. The term "ruscus" is derived from an old Latin term meaning "prickly plants." One of the more widely-known varieties, Ruscus aculeatus, is known by the common name butcher's broom.
The mouse thorn, being a small, spreading species is ideal as a groundcover for these kinds of shady parts of the garden. These drought tolerant plants prefer not to be grown in wet soils — well drained soil is ideal — but can still survive moist situations. [1] In the APG III classification system, it is placed in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Nolinoideae (formerly the family Ruscaceae). These plants require minimal maintenance.
This plant is said to be deer resistant. This plant may be useful for the treatment of hemorrhoids, blood circulation problems, and inflammation. These plants do also have tiny, glossy dark green leaves though. These are interesting and unusual plants that will do well in dry, shady areas of the yard where other plants may struggle to survive. They can handle heat, drought, and salt. [2]. Take care not to expose these cuttings to frost if possible.
Interestingly, the flowers and fruits of Ruscus shrubs are borne in the middle of the upper cladode surfaces. There does not seem to be much information available on the toxicity of this plant. Some reports suggest that eating this plant may cause nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and diarrhea. Ruscus are best grown as low hedges or along shady borders and foundations.
Ruscus Species, Butcher's Broom
This evergreen sub shrub also produces small yellow flowers in some conditions. Ruscus can be grown from seed, cuttings, or by division. Probably the easiest and most effective way to grow small numbers of new plants is by means of division. The ruscus plant also has an ancient history of medicinal uses where it was used in the treatment of kidney stones, and as a laxative and diuretic. Interestingly, what appears to be glossy dark green leaves on these plants are, in fact, phylloclades also known as cladodes.
Deep shade, particularly full shade that remains throughout the entire day, can cause the plant to lose some of its glossy dark green coloration. Birds enjoy these berries and disperse the seeds widely. It produces attractive red berries and dark green leaf like structures. These structures are modified stems that do the work of leaves, performing the function of photosynthesis. If you notice your plant grows more slowly in the heat, add a bit more water or transplant so it has full shade in late summer.
These plants are native to the northwestern parts of Africa, Europe, and Western Asia. Dappled shade seems to be the ideal light concentration for growing Ruscus, although partial shade to full shade will be tolerated. Although these plants grow slowly from seed, they can be sown in the fall. The mouse thorn has a smaller distribution and originates from Central Europe, south to Northern Turkey.
These plants take their name from the traditional practice of using branches to sweep and clean. Take single-bud rhizome cuttings and plant these out in late winter for best results. Ruscus is native to parts of North Africa, Europe, and Asia.