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Smilax smallii
Smilax smallii Morong
Lance-leaf Greenbriar, Southern Smilax, Jacksonvine, Jacksonbriar
Smilacaceae (Catbrier Family)
Synonym(s): Smilax domingensis, Smilax lanceolata
USDA Symbol: SMSM
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), PR (N)
Lance-leaf Greenbriar is a high-climbing vine, to about 8 ft. long, with small, light-green, shiny, evergreen leaves. Flat-topped clusters of small, yellowish flowers occur in all leaf axils to the ends of the branches. The subsequent berries remain a dull, brick-red for long periods of time before turning dark reddish-brown at maturity. Stems are mostly spineless and often at right angles to the main stem.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Vine
Root Type: Tuberous
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Lanceolate
Leaf Pubescence: Glabrous
Leaf Margin: Entire
Leaf Apex: Acute
Leaf Base: Cuneate , Rounded
Leaf Texture: Smooth
Breeding System: Flowers Unisexual , Dioecious
Inflorescence: Axillary , Umbel
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Climber, stems up to about 8 feet. long.
Leaf: Green.
Flower: Flower tiny.
Fruit: Dark red to black 6 mm.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow , GreenBloom Time: Apr , May
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , DE , FL , GA , LA , MS , NC , OK , SC , TX , VANative Distribution: Coastal Plain from extreme s.e. VA to FL, w. to e. TX, Zones 7 to 9
Native Habitat: Sandy, alluvial woods; coastal plains; stream banks
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Drought Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Moist, alluvial, acidic soils.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: A glossy, evergreen vine that can be trained to trellises. Unlike many Smilaxes, it is thornless.Use Wildlife: Fruits eaten by multiple birds and mammals.
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Birds
Deer Resistant: No
Propagation
Propagation Material: Root Division , Seeds , Semi-hardwood Cuttings , Softwood CuttingsSeed Collection: Mature seeds are brown. Two years are required for seeds to mature.
Commercially Avail: yes
Maintenance: Cut back to keep it from forming a dense thicket. Will form large, woody canes, so cut back to ground every three years in the spring if you don't like this.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACU | FACU | FACU |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS
Wildflower Center Seed Bank
LBJWC-1075 Collected 2007-08-17 in Harrison County by Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower CenterBibliography
Bibref 1620 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (Reprint Edition) (2009) Wasowski, S. with A. WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Smilax smallii in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Smilax smallii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Smilax smallii
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-10-21Research By: TWC Staff