What is Smilax plant?
What is Smilax? Smilax is also known as greenbrier and occasionally carrion vine, due to its intense, slightly unpleasant scent. Other names for the plant include catbrier, bamboo vine, and Jackson vine. It is a common forage food found along the east coast of the United States. Smilax plant uses throughout history range from food to medicinal.
Are there Smilax vines in South Carolina?
In South Carolina there are ten common Smilax species, along with five less common species. Many common names appear for these troublesome vines, such as catbriers, greenbriers, hogbriers, bullbriers, prickly-ivies, deer thorns, and smilaxes.
How do you grow Smilax from seed?
The smilax vine grows in any soil condition but grows better in well-drained soils. As a crawling vine, if the soil and horizontal space are limited, it is best to provide anchorage such as trellises or dead trees where the vine may cling. Reproduction of greenbrier through seeds and plant cuttings is commonly done.
What is Smilax (Greenbrier)?
What is Smilax? Smilax is also known as greenbrier and occasionally carrion vine, due to its intense, slightly unpleasant scent. Other names for the plant include catbrier, bamboo vine, and Jackson vine. It is a common forage food found along the east coast of the United States.
Is Smilax vine poisonous?
Smilax has become an undesirable plant for many because of the jagged and prolific thorns that cover the vining stems. While not poisonous to the touch, smilax a mean and tenacious plant, so it often gets a bad rap.
Can you grow Smilax?
The plant prefers moist woods and is often seen climbing trees. Plants can also grow in slightly dry conditions and will become a literal briar patch if there is nothing but itself upon which to climb. Smilax is an extremely vigorous plant with pinkish bamboo-like vines bearing small thorns.
Where does greenbrier grow?
Greenbrier is a native plant that grows from Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Oklahoma. It has a small yellowish green blossom on the vine from May to June and its blue black fruit can be seen from fall through winter, or until the wildlife has eaten it.
Does Smilax grow in UK?
Smilax rotundifolia is a deciduous Climber growing to 12 m (39ft 4in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4.
Is Smilax native to Florida?
Smilax vines grows in a variety of conditions from wet to dry, but is usually found in hammocks and forests. Of the twelve species native to Florida three don't have thorns, Smilax ecirrhata (upright carrionflower), Smilax lasioneuron (Blueridge carrionflower) and Smilax pumila (sarsaparilla vine).
What is Smilax used for?
Smilax aristolochiifolia root has extensive medicinal uses. As the traditional medicine, it is used to treat leprosy, tumors, cancer, psoriasis and rheumatism. It is also used as tonic for anemia and skin diseases. It is reported to have anti-inflammatory, testosterogenic, aphrodisiac and progesterogenic effects.
Is greenbrier poisonous?
To be honest the genus name Smilax has nothing to do with smiling; one interpretation is the word was originally derived from a Greek word for "poison," even though Greenbrier berries apparently are non-toxic.
Is greenbrier an invasive species?
Most of the eastern US has been invaded by greenbriar, Smilax rotundifolia. I say invaded because as a native, it is not technically invasive, but rather aggressive; and AGGRESSIVE it is! But when it comes to greenbriar, it is an invasion. Reaching over a 20-feet climb!
Is greenbrier edible?
Use: Greenbriers (and Catbriers) are good as asparagus, in salad, and cooked by using the young shoots, leaves, and tendrils. If the rootstocks of these vines are crushed and washed, the red powder can be boiled in water to make a "mild jelly," according to the Peterson's guide.
What is the common name of Smilax?
catbriersThey are climbing flowering plants, many of which are woody and/or thorny, in the monocotyledon family Smilacaceae, native throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Common names include catbriers, greenbriers, prickly-ivys and smilaxes.
What does Smilax taste like?
Smilax shoots: a long, clean, delicate vegetable It was easy to harvest a large amount in a small time, and they tasted great: very mild, similar to asparagus if it had a little mucilage in the stem, but not so much that it detracted from enjoying it at all.
What kind of vine has thorns?
There are several better-known plants that have thorns, including agave (Agave attenuate, USDA plant hardiness zones 10 to 12), bougainvillea (Bougainvillea, USDA plant hardiness zones 9 to 11), brambles (a large group of plants but not a specific type) and hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum, USDA plant hardiness zones 3 ...
How long does it take Smilax to grow?
Unfortunately, because Smilax is such a fast grower (it can grow over a foot per week), you just can't sit back and let it take over. If left for very long, you could be pulling a 30 foot vine down from your trees (risking thorny vine stabs to your face and eyes as the mass falls down on top of you!).
Are all Smilax edible?
Cooked like asparagus or green beans, they are excellent, and also edible raw in small quantities. the meristem stage, that is, the growing part is almost always the most tender because the cells haven't decided what it is they're supposed to do, such as get tough and hold up the plant or create an odor or the like.
What does Smilax taste like?
Smilax shoots: a long, clean, delicate vegetable It was easy to harvest a large amount in a small time, and they tasted great: very mild, similar to asparagus if it had a little mucilage in the stem, but not so much that it detracted from enjoying it at all.
Is greenbrier invasive?
Most of the eastern US has been invaded by greenbriar, Smilax rotundifolia. I say invaded because as a native, it is not technically invasive, but rather aggressive; and AGGRESSIVE it is! But when it comes to greenbriar, it is an invasion. Reaching over a 20-feet climb!
What is the color of smilax vines?
Looking closely at the smilax vines’ leaves, it has a shiny deep green color with parallel venation. Also, this vine can either protect or harm with its prickly stems. Sometimes, some leaves stay attached even during winter but the leaves that fall tend to leave their leaf stalks connected to the stem. Some caterpillars, such as the Curve-lined owlet moth, use the smilax leaves as their host plant.
What does a smilax vine look like?
As the smilax vine matures, it produces berries that are spherical and shiny with 1-4 pea-sized seeds inside. The color of the berries can vary from shiny blue-black to red, either color tends to attract humans and animals.
What is the color of a glauca leaf?
Commonly known as Cat Greenbrier and Wild Sarsaparilla, the S. glauca prefers to grow in woodlands just like the S. tamnoides and S. bona-nox. Its distinguishing characteristic from other species is its distinct leaf colors. The upper surface of the leaf is dark green but the lower surface has a strong gray shade.
What is the name of the bamboo vine?
Found in different areas along rivers, the S. laurifolia is commonly called the Bamboo Vine or Laurel Greenbrier. Some of this species’ distinct characteristics are its red petioles and its leaf veins. If observed closely, its leaves have a more noticeable midvein in comparison to the lateral veins.
Where does Sarsaparilla vine grow?
The Sarsaparilla Vine or S. pumila grows in different parts of the north to central Florida. The stems, petioles, and the underside of the leaves have tiny hairs which make this species distinct from the others
Does a smilax vine grow in a well-drained soil?
The smilax vine grows in any soil condition but grows better in well-drained soils. As a crawling vine, if the soil and horizontal space are limited, it is best to provide anchorage such as trellises or dead trees where the vine may cling.
Is a smilax vine edible?
Coming from the Smilacaceae family, with numerous species of herbaceous and woody vines, the smilax vines are known to be an edible wild plant. It goes by the names greenbrier, catbrier, sarsaparilla, Jackson vine, bamboo vine, and carrion vine. Different species are known to be native in Canada, U.S. Virgin Islands, Hawaii, Lower 48 states, and Puerto Rico.
How many species of smilax are there?
There are around 300 known species in the genus Smilax. The known and used form in the eastern and southern part of the U.S. is a briar vine. It is one of the few twining vines that bears thorns. In fact, Smilax roots were made into a pipe, hence the name for a pipe bowl was “brier.”.
What is a smilax vine?
What are Smilax vines? Smilax is an edible wild plant that is making some inroads in the agriculture industry. All parts of the plant are nutritious and delicious. Smilax vines in the garden can provide a unique food source while adding natural beauty. The vines are cover and fodder for numerous wild birds and animals and its tubers, stems, leaves, ...
What is the name of the plant that grows in the east coast of the United States?
Smilax is also known as greenbrier and occasionally carrion vine, due to its intense, slightly unpleasant scent. Other names for the plant include catbrier, bamboo vine, and Jackson vine. It is a common forage food found along the east coast of the United States.
What are roots used for?
Roots can be ground, dried, and used like flour. The roots can also be used like any root vegetable– boiled, stewed, or roasted. Roots were also ground and used in Sarsaparilla or as an addition to flavor root beer. Additional ly, they were used to thicken soups, sauces, and stews.
Is a greenbrier vine ornamental?
As stated, using greenbrier vines as an ornamental is probably more trouble than it’s worth. However, with careful management, the plant can be a beneficial addition to the wild, native garden.
Can you eat smilax root?
In addition to its medicinal potential, Smilax can be made into numerous recipes. The young shoots are excellent eaten raw or as you would asparagus. Berries are delicious raw or cooked into a jam or jelly. Roots can be ground, dried, and used like flour. The roots can also be used like any root vegetable– boiled, stewed, or roasted.
Can smilax vines be used as ground cover?
It can also make a useful ground cover that will help stabilize soil and create homes for wild beasts. For the foraging gardener, Smilax vines in the garden as part of an edible landscape provides numerous food options for vegetarians, vegans, or simply natural food enthusiasts. NOTE: Before planting anything in your garden, ...
How does a smilax plant grow?
As the smilax begins to grow from seed , it sends up a single shoot and produces an underground tuber. As the plant matures, a large cluster of bulbous roots is created. Only a few shoots will arise from the root mass; the majority of the roots lie dormant.
What is a sticker vine?
Smilax, also called deer thorn, catbrier and “that *^ !!@ %* !! sticker vine”, is one of the toughest perennial vines with which a gardener has to contend. The thorny vine with waxy, heart-shaped leaves wends its way through azaleas, English laurel and perennial flower beds with impunity.
What Are Smilax Vines : Tips For Using Greenbrier Vines In The Garden
Smilax vines in the garden can provide a unique food source while adding natural beauty. The vines are cover and fodder for numerous wild birds and animals, and its tubers, stems, leaves, and berries can all be used in various recipes. Learn more in this article.
Controlling Greenbrier: How To Get Rid Of Greenbrier Vine
Controlling greenbrier is an ongoing job once it gets established, so it's best to get rid of greenbrier vine as soon as you identify it. Find out more about the weed and its control in this article.
What is a common carrion flower?
Smilax herbacea, Common Carrion flower. Photo: Nicky Staunton. Smilax flowers consist of small green clusters on separate male and female plants. They are inconspicuous on the thorny species. But the Carrion flowers form large spheres that grow into showy orbs of shiny blue-black, pea-sized seeds.
What does the genus Smilax catch your attention?
The genus Smilax is bound to catch your attention one way or another – your eye catches a distinctive green leaf; your nose detects a whiff of something slightly ‘off;’ your skin or clothes catch on sharp prickles as you walk down the trail.
What are the colors of smilax berries?
Smilax berries are one of the more attractive features, both for people and wildlife. Most of them are blue-black, but a few, like S. pumila, S. auriculata, and S. walterii , sport red fruit. Although the Smilax species vary in lipid fat content of their berries, they are all an important source of winter food for birds, including grouse, ...
What animals eat Smilax?
White-tailed deer, rabbits, and beavers all feed on the woody stems, leaves, and shoots of Smilax. And of course all the Smilax species provide excellent protective cover. Another thing that can catch your attention in regard to Smilax is that some of them are hard to tell apart.
What animals eat the leaves of a sage plant?
The flowers are visited by a number of bees and flies, for both nectar and pollen, and the leaves are larval host for many species of caterpillar moths including the Curve-lined owlet moth, ( Phyprosopus callitrichoides). White-tailed deer, rabbits, and beavers all feed on the woody stems, leaves, and shoots of Smilax.
Is Smilax glauca glaucous?
Although at first the berries on this Smilax seemed unusual, John explained: “In addition to glaucous leaf undersurface, fruits of Smilax glauca can also be glaucous. The powdery-waxy bloom, however, does wear off, so only relatively young/fresh fruits of S. glauca will exhibit this characteristic.”.
Do unarmed vines have thorns?
The “unarmed” vines, no thorns but smelly flowers, include the words Carrion Flower in their common name. So they don’t sound so attractive. But in fact, these sturdy vines are hard-working, interesting, and valuable members of Virginia’s ecosystems. Smilax herbacea, Common Carrion flower. Photo: Nicky Staunton.
How many varieties of Smilax are there?
Smilax, however, is a native plant. There are 14 varieties of Smilax in the Carolinas and about 300 to 350 worldwide. Most have thorny stems, some of them fierce, while a few, like Jackson vine, have thorns only at their base or none at all.
Why is digging out an established plant grueling?
Digging out an established plant is grueling work because the ever-growing clusters of tubers are anchored by an extensive root system. The waxy coating on the leaves makes it all but impossible for herbicides, including glyphosate, to penetrate. Over a period of several years, doggedly cutting Smilax back wears down energy reserves in ...
What are the stems of a smilax?
Stems are tough, with a profusion of sharp thorns. Homeowners who try to get rid of the plant must use heavy gloves for protection. Smilax has tiny green flowers, which form clusters and bloom in the spring. Flowers are male or female and attract insects, which pollenate them. Depending on the variety, berries are bluish black, blue or red.
What is a smilax?
Smilax is an invasive plant and a garden thug. Courtesy photo. Smilax is a native plant that provides food for more than 40 species of birds. It is an important part of the diet for deer and black bears. Rabbits eat the evergreen leaves and vines.
How long are vine leaves?
They are alternate on the vine and have parallel veins. They are leathery and can reach 5 inches long. Leaf edges are generally smooth, but some species have bristles. Stems are tough, with a profusion of sharp thorns.
How to get rid of smilax?
The best way to get rid of Smilax is to dig it out by the roots as soon as it shows up.
Where does thorny vine grow?
The thorny vine intertwines within the branches of ornamentals. It grows in sun, part sun and shade, which leaves no spot off limits.
Flora and fauna
- Greenbrier vines are dioecious, which means there are separate male and female plants. The female plants produce small, ¼- to ½-inch blue-black, black, or red fruit, which are held in small clusters. Birds and small mammals often consume these fruit in winter and spread the seed.
Morphology
- Larger greenbrier vines are capable of growing upright at least six feet. The production of tendrils allows the vines to stabilize their height by tightly hanging onto shrub branches and low hanging tree limbs. These tendrils are actually modified stems that start out green and pliable, but once wrapped around a branch or twig of a nearby woody plant, they mature and harden. Impenetrabl…
Symptoms
- Greenbrier thorns (actually prickles) may be green and quite small on some species or very large and multi-colored on mature vines of other species, such as on the saw greenbrier (Smilax bona-nox), another one of the common greenbriers in SC. These thorns actually aid in the support of the vines as they snag on nearby branches of shrubs and trees. Some species also have spines alon…
Description
- A third common greenbrier in SC is Smilax glabra (called the cat greenbrier), which can be distinguished from other species by its pale colored, lower leaf surface. The leaves are typically mottled (that is, lightly spotted) but have no spines along the leaf margins.
Appearance
- Not all greenbrier vines are troublesome weeds. The lanceleaf greenbrier or bamboo vine (Smilax smallii) is practically thornless and makes a very attractive climbing vine for training on trellises. The leaves are shiny green, and the vines will grow to approximately 8 feet high. Its fruit are initially a dull brick red, but eventually turn reddish-brown at maturity.
Management
- Chemical control of greenbriers is difficult because their extensive root system can regenerate new vines from further back along the knobby rhizomes, and the waxy foliage resists the uptake of sprays. If the greenbriers to be controlled are only a few small individual plants, it is possible to dig up the rhizomes. However, if it is a larger vine, then chemical treatments will be necessary.
Uses
- Triclopyr is a broadleaf herbicide that is absorbed by the mature foliage of greenbrier vines. Spray the foliage with a solution of triclopyr (9 fluid ounces of a 61.6% product with water to make a gallon of spray, or a 50:50 mix of an 8 or 8.8% product with an equal amount of water). See Table 1 for examples of products containing triclopyr.
Botanical Information
Grow, Care and Maintenance
- Sun Requirement
The vine can grow in either full sun, partial shade, or full shade. However, it will be best if exposed to full sun especially if you want the plant to flower. - Water Requirements
The versatility of this plant might surprise you as it can tolerate drought while some species prefer flooded areas.
Potential Harm
- The smilax vine is a fast crawler which makes it a tough weed to handle. Reports are saying that even when this vine is burned to the ground, its rhizomes can still germinate and create a new plant. This is why manual weeding or cutting down the plant is not enough as a control measure. Usage of herbicides is recommended to eradicate the vine. The smilax vine can also cause har…
Uses
- In the landscape, the smilax vine is used to soften some parts by letting it crawl all over different structures and fixtures. It prefers to cling to trees and moist wood. Keeping this in mind, make sure that this vine is placed away from the trees you are growing as it can disrupt the growth of the tree. The smilax vine also serves as a ground cover. In terms of edibility, the stems and leave…
Identifying Differences Between Common Species
- Smilax bona-nox
S. bona-nox goes by the name Saw Greenbrier. This species is usually found in woodlands and is differentiated by its rough-textured lower stems and prickles of the main shoot. - Smilax laurifolia
Found in different areas along rivers, the S. laurifoliais commonly called the Bamboo Vine or Laurel Greenbrier. Some of this species’ distinct characteristics are its red petioles and its leaf veins. If observed closely, its leaves have a more noticeable midvein in comparison to the latera…
FAQs
- Finally, check more fast growing climbing vinesyou can grow. *Photo of Smilax aspera (common smilax) by gsafarek/depositphotos