Ruscus hyrcanus

Ruscus hyrcanus is one of the rarest of the six butcher’s broom species…one you certainly won’t find listed in your favorite gardening encyclopedia. The range of this Black Sea region endemic includes Iran, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Crimea, where it can be found in lowland forests under Parrotia persica and alongside its cousin poet’s laurel. The stalks of Ruscus hyrcanus somewhat resemble Ruscus aculeatus, but the stalks are procumbent (growing sideways). The stalks of spiny, dark evergreen foliage form a compact 1′ tall x 2′ wide clump. The foliage of Ruscus hyrcanus will be burned back by temperatures below 10 degrees F, but the new growth from the rhizome is fine in spring.