Butcher's Broom - Knee Holly
Ruscus aculeatus
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Pl. F597 — Ruscus aculeatus
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IOverview
Overview
Butcher's Broom, also known as Knee Holly (Ruscus aculeatus), is a subshrub native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Europe. It grows in various habitats across Albania, Algeria, Azores, Bulgaria, and other countries, thriving in light, medium, or heavy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant is known for its edible shoots and stems, which are often used in culinary dishes. One distinctive feature of Butcher's Broom is its ability to grow in dry to moist conditions, making it adaptable to different environments. Its light hardiness range (zones 6-9) and height of about 0.8 meters contribute to its presence in diverse landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Butcher's Broom - Knee Holly?
Butcher's Broom, also known as Knee Holly (Ruscus aculeatus), is a subshrub native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Europe. It grows in various habitats across Albania, Algeria, Azores, Bulgaria, and other countries, thriving in light, medium, or heavy soil with a pH between 5.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Butcher's Broom, or Ruscus aculeatus, thrives in light to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 6-9 and can grow up to 0.8 meters tall as a subshrub. To propagate, use stem cuttings or divide the plant in spring. Keep the soil moist but not overly wet, especially during dry periods. The edible parts include the shoots and stems, which are best harvested in early spring.
Light
4/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Habit
Subshrub
Mature size
0.8 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Butcher's Broom - Knee Holly for the first time
7steps
Start with planting Butcher's Broom in a well-draining soil and follow these beginner-friendly steps.
- 1
What you'll need
A young plant or seeds, a pot or garden bed, good quality soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or early fall when the weather is mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, and prepare your garden bed or pot accordingly.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants directly into the ground or start seeds in a container before transferring them to the garden.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly but avoid overwatering, and keep the plant in a partially shaded area.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light shade during hot summer months, water when the soil feels dry, and mulch to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead stems; harvest young shoots for culinary use if desired.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:ShootsStem
Edible uses: Coffee
Other uses:CraftingScourerGround cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe14 regions
native (14)AlbaniaBulgariaCyprusFranceGreeceHungaryItalyPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)Palestine
Africa4 regions
native (4)AlgeriaLibyaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:East Aegean Is., Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Yugoslavia, Transcaucasus
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · f597585e-c3b3-4739-bf51-8a6568d7b5f9
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