Description
Butcher s-broom, mouse thorn and horse tongue lily
Ruscus hypoglossum is a small evergreen shrub with a native range from Italy north to Austria and Slovakia and east to Turkey and Crimea. Common names include spineless butcher s-broom, mouse thorn and horse tongue lily.
Plant Specifications
| Common Name | Butcher s-broom, mouse thorn and horse tongue lily |
| Maximum Reachable Height | 2.00 to 3.00 feet |
| Flower Colour | White |
| Bloom Time | April to May |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to grow |
Planting and care
Do not prune plants in the fall. Simply cut off any dead or diseased canes.Stop fertilizing 6 weeks before the first frost but continue watering during dry autumn weather to help keep plants fortified during the dry winter.Mound, mulch, or add compost after a few frosts but before the ground freezes.
Ruscus hypoglossum care
Large rose canes can be cut back by as much as two thirds, and smaller ones to within 6 to 12 inches of the ground.When you transplant your plants, be sure to dig a much bigger hole than you think you need and add plenty of organic matter such as compost or aged manure.
| Sunlight | Part shade to full shade |
| Watering | Medium |
| Soil | Well-drained soil |
| Temperature | 20 to 40 degrees C |
| Fertilizer | Apply any organic fertilizer |
Ruscus hypoglossum special feature
Small evergreen shrub noted for growing in dense shade. Woodland gardens. Foundations. Hedge.
Ruscus hypoglossum uses
Ornamental Use:
- The plant is used for ornamental purpose
Medicinal Use:
- Ruscus aculeatus is an herb commonly referred to as Butcher s Broom due to its hard roots and (supposed) antibacterial properties being traditionally used to clean the cutting boards of butchers
- It also holds traditional medicinal uses, which maily focus around improving blood flow in the veins by contracting them