Ruscus hypoglossum /Spineless Butcher's Broom

Evergreen foliage with sharp pointed tips
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Evergreen foliage with sharp pointed tips	Stiff, leathery foliage	Thick foliage wth a spine at the tip.
Specimen plant with dense foliage	Typical form of this evergreen mounding shrub	Foliage
Close-up image of spiny foliage


Scientific Name:	Ruscus hypoglossum
Common Name:	Spineless Butcher's Broom
Plant Type:	Evergreen
Leaf Type:	Broadleaf
Hardiness Zone:	8, 9, 10 Determine Your Zone
Height:	1-2 feet
Spread:	1-2 feet
Bloom time:	Summer
Flower color:	Yellow
Fruit present:	Fall
Fruit color:	Red
Light Exposure:	Part Sun, Filtered Shade, Morning sun
Drainage:	Well drained, Moist
Rate of Growth:	Slow
Water Requirement:	Medium
Maintenance Level:	Low
Susceptible to insects and diseases:	No

Comments:	This species produces creeping roots and forms a ground cover after several years growing in the same place. Flowers do not have a lot of ornamental value and the plants seldom fruit. The leaves are actually leaf-like cladodes and the true leaves are small appendages produces around the small flowers. Listed in some references as a sub-shrub. Bright sunlight can burn the foliage in the Lower South. Reported to grow in shade where there is competition from tree roots.