Ruscus aculeatus var angustifolius Chenault Athyrium In midsummer the clumps are

In midsummer the clumps are topped with 3' tall spikes of lavender flowers

Their floral display is much more appealing if old foliage removal is completed before they bloom

The 20" tall flower spike is tinged pink and topped with an open-front pink cone that holds the short but stout spadix appendage

For year-round interest it's hard to beat this felt-like

evergreen clump

Ruscus aculeatus var angustifolius Chenault Athyrium In midsummer the clumps areRuscus aculeatus var. angustifolius 'Chenault' is a very rare selection of tough as nails Butcher's Broom, which originated at the Chenault Nursery in France. Our plants came from the Charlotte garden of the late garden writer, Elizabeth Lawrence (thanks to Lindie Wilson). The plant is described by Lawrence in her 1963 article, later reprinted in "A Garden of One's Own," "The evergreen foliage is very narrow, but equally as sharp, giving a unique