Ruscus hypoglossum

Common Name:
Spineless Butcher's Broom

Description:
Ruscus hypoglossum, commonly known as Spineless Butcher's Broom, is a slow-growing, evergreen sub-shrub admired for its architectural structure and exceptional tolerance of deep shade. Native to southern and eastern Europe, it’s well-suited to Melbourne gardens, particularly in dry, shaded areas where many other plants struggle. This plant is notable for its unusual leaf-like cladodes (flattened stems) from which tiny yellow-green flowers appear directly on the surface in spring. If male and female plants are present, glossy red berries may follow, adding winter interest. Unlike the more commonly known Ruscus aculeatus, this species lacks spines, making it an excellent, low-maintenance groundcover or understorey plant for shaded borders or beneath trees. It thrives in dry to moderately moist, well-drained soil and is tolerant of drought once established.

Form:
Ground Cover
Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:
Height: 30 – 50 cm
Width: 50 – 70 cm

Aspect:
Full Shade
Part Shade

Flowering:
Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:
Yellow-Green

Key Attributes:
Suitable for Pots
Drought Tolerant
Perennial
Low Maintenance
Excellent for Dry Shade
Evergreen
Winter Interest (berries on female plants)

Toxicity:
Considered non-toxic to humans and animals

Companion Plants:
Helleborus orientalis
Dryopteris spp. (ferns)
Epimedium spp.
Pulmonaria spp.
Asarum europaeum

For more information and photos of this species, Warners Nursery has detailed information available to the public here