Butcher’s Broom (Ruscus aculeatus) got its name from the fact that European Butchers used the stiff branches of this bush to clean and sweep their cutting blocks. The plant grows wild in the Mediterranean region. It is a bush member of the Lily family, attains a maximum height of approximately 3 feet, and has been called several names, including Box Holly and Knee Holly. It sports small greenish-white flowers in the spring, and red berries in the fall, reminiscent of a small red heart, which may be the ‘doctrine of signature’ indicator that lead the ancients to use this plant to maintain a healthy circulatory system*.
