Florida Forest Plants

Smilax  (Smilax spp.)

The common names of smilax, greenbriar, catbriar, or briar, all refer to a number of closely related species that look similar enough to be grouped together in the following description. All have sharp thorns and are a very prolific vine that climbs both by clinging and with tendrils. It propagates via runners and seeds and may invade an area very quickly.
  

The plant provides wildlife with both food and protective cover and serves as an important component in the diets of ruffed grouse, deer, and black bear.

Smilax is found in most of the eastern United States, from the Great Lakes states and southern New England, south into Florida. It grows as far west as Texas, Illinois, and Oklahoma.

 Identifying Characteristics
Size/Form:
 Smilax is a woody, climbing vine with conspicuous tendrils and stout, thorny stems.
Leaves:
 The leaves may be of various shapes, but are often ovate, elliptical, or shaped like a fiddle or arrowhead with distinct lobes at the leaf base. They are simple, alternately arranged, and evergreen or deciduous. Leaves are glossy green and smooth above, paler below, and grow from 2" to 5" long and ½" to 4" wide. The leaf margins are usually entire but may have some prickles along edges and on the underside of the midrib.
Flowers:
 The flowers are small, greenish-white clusters or umbels that bloom in the spring.
Fruit:
 Smilax produces clusters of shiny, black berries in late summer or fall.
Habitat:
 Smilax grows prolifically in a wide variety of habitats from dry, uplands to moist lowlands. It is especially common in wooded areas.


Photos
Click on thumbnails to see a larger image in a new window.
Close the new window to return to this page.
 

Stem, tendril, and thorns


[Forest Trees]

[Forest Plants]

[Home]