Ruscus 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 appearance compared to the typical species.” Our 20-year-old, deer-resistant clumps are now 3′ tall x 4′ wide in dry shade, and in sun, remain about 1/3 shorter…a superb textural contrast in the garden. This is a female selection, that requires a male or bisexual companion to produce red berries.
