Plant species

butcher's-broom Ruscus aculeatus

Asparagaceae

Species information

Description

An evergreen subshrub with flattened leaf-like stems bearing small flowers on their surfaces. An evergreen thermophilous shrub of Mediterranean woodland and scrub, with flattened leaf-like cladodes.

Plant traits

Growth form

evergreen subshrub

Life cycle

perennial

Height

30–100 cm

Typical season

123456789101112

Active growth

Flowering

Fruiting

Timing varies with site and year.

Habitat conditions

Habitat

forest · shrubland · forest edge

Light

partial shade

Moisture

dry · mesic

Soil

base-rich

Substrate

calcareous

Pollination

insect pollination

Status

native

Interesting facts

The tiny flowers and later red berries appear in the middle of the leaf-like flattened stems, an especially unusual feature.

LifeSystems

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