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Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Smilax pumila Walter
Sarsaparilla vine, Wild sarsaparilla, Dwarf smilax, Dwarf greenbrier
Smilacaceae (Greenbrier Family)
USDA Symbol: SMPU
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Unlike many other native smilaxes, Smilax pumila is virtually thornless, so it is safe to use as a low-growing and low-climbing evergreen groundcover in dry, partly shaded areas of the Southeast. Its leaves are mottled in two shades of green and it displays glossy clusters of red berries in winter. Its natural habitat is in pine forests and Post Oak woods of the Coastal Plain, so fast-draining, loose soils low in nutrients are ideal for it.
From the Image Gallery
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Vine
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Breeding System: Flowers Unisexual , Dioecious
Size Notes: Normally 6 inches on the ground, but can climb to 18 inches.
Leaf: Medium green mottled with whitish green. Red tinge in winter.
Flower:
Fruit: Red or orange, glossy 1 to 2 inch clusters
Size Class: 0-1 ft. , 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow , GreenBloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
Bloom Notes: Yellowish green in color
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , FL , GA , LA , MS , SC , TXNative Distribution: Southeastern coastal plain from South Carolina to Texas, Zones 8 to 9
Native Habitat: Dryish, sandy woodlands and sandhills
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Drought Tolerance: High
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Poor, dry sands preferred
Benefit
Use Ornamental: A good evergreen groundcover for partly shady areas in the Southeast with poor, fast-draining soilsUse Wildlife: Fruits attract birds and mammals
Use Food: Roots used to flavor root beer and other beverages
Use Medicinal: Rhizomes used to treat rheumatism
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Birds
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Possibility of growing Smilax pumila (Wild Sarsaparilla Vine in Virginia
June 13, 2006
Hello, I am inquiring about a plant my grandmother keeps telling me about. It's called sarasee (sp?). It's supposed to have some medicinal properties like helping with a cold and things of that nat...
view the full question and answer
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS
Bibliography
Bibref 996 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski, Sally and Andy WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Smilax pumila in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Smilax pumila in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Smilax pumila
Metadata
Record Modified: 2009-02-12Research By: DEW
