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. 5: 207. The rhizomes and roots of the genus are of primary interest. 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). Greenbrier vines are dioecious, which means there are separate male and female plants. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). Many common names appear for these troublesome vines, such as catbriers, greenbriers, hogbriers, bullbriers, prickly-ivies, deer thorns, and smilaxes. Smilax species including Smilax aristolochiifolia (Mexican sarsaparilla), Smilax china, Salvia officinalis (Honduras sarsaparilla), Smilax regelii (Honduras, Jamaican sarsaparilla), Smilax febrifuga (Ecuadorian sarsaparilla), Smilax ornata. … concolor; Smilax dunniana ; Smilax glabra var. … The leaves are glossy green, petioled, alternate, and circular to heart-shaped. In South Carolina there are ten common Smilax species, along with five less common species. This group of plants is native to South America, the whole of Central America , and the West Coast of Mexico. If pollination occurs, the plant will produce a bright red to blue-black spherical berry fruit about 5–10 mm in diameter that matures in the fall. Smilax is a very damage-tolerant plant capable of growing back from its rhizomes after being cut down or burned down by fire. The thorny thickets can effectively protect small animals from larger predators who cannot enter the prickly tangle. Common smilax, Rough bindweed, Sarsaparilla, Mediterranean smilax, Prickly-ivys, Catbriers, Greenbriers, Wild Sarsaparill, Smilaxes, Rough Bindweed, Prickly ivy, The Common Smilax, Rough Smilax, Italian Sarsaparilla and Mediterranean Smilax are the common names of Smilax. [11], Diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin, is reported from S. The powdered roots of Jamaican sarsaparilla are known as Rad. For many plants, the website displays maps showing physiographic provinces within the Carolinas and Georgia where the plant has been documented. smilax, common name for a florists' plant of two separate genera (Asparagus and Smilax), both of the family Liliaceae (lily lily,common name for the Liliaceae, a plant family numbering several thousand species of as many as 300 genera, widely distributed over the earth and particularly abundant in warm temperate and tropical regions. 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. Its mature vines are armored with large, stiff thorns, and the stems are scurfy (i.e., with a scaly crust on the stem surface). They will also grow over trees and other plants up to 10 m high, their hooked thorns allowing them to hang onto and scramble over branches. Smilax nebelii Gilg. So they don’t sound so attractive. It is hardy to zone (UK) 6. Common names: Catbrier ... Smilax leaves lack an abscission layer, but the distal portion of the petiole undergoes a soft disintegration and the “blade” falls, leaving a rough end on the stub (W. C. Coker 1944). COVID-19 Extension Updates and Resources ... More Information », Factsheet | HGIC 2328 | Updated: Jan 11, 2019 | Print, Smilax rotundifolia (called the bullbrier or roundleaf greenbrier) is one of three very common greenbriers in SC. But in fact, these sturdy vines are hard-working, interesting, and valuable members of Virginia’s ecosystems. The common floral decoration smilax is Asparagus asparagoides. Follow all directions, precautions and restrictions that are listed. The leaves are heart shaped and vary from 4–30 cm long in different species. Rhizomatous and woody scandent shrubs. Uses, Benefits, Cures, Side Effects, Nutrients in Smilax China. Botanical Name : Smilax China Family Name : Liliaceae Common Name : China Root, Madhunuhi Part Used : Rhizomes Habitat : It is a native of china and japan. The extracts of certain species of the genus Smilax, notably, S. cuculmeca, are reputed to be useful for the treatment of snakebite in Central America (Castro et al., 1999). How Smilax China is effective for various diseases is listed in repertory format. Genus: Smilax L. Smilax spinosa Mill. Impenetrable thickets of these thorny vines are often encountered, where they have sprawled over and between nearby shrubs and trees. The genus includes both deciduous and evergreen species. This means that “the two sexes live in two different houses”, or in English: there are both male plants with anthers and … [citation needed]. Joey Williamson, PhD, HGIC Horticulture Extension Agent, Clemson University. Entry From. Resource Type. The name Sarsaparilla means a small bushed vine, from Spanish words zarza (bramble or bush), parra (vine), and illa (small). Here it is sprawling over Chinese privet along a creek. Round-Leaved Greenbrier is a deciduous to semi-evergreen woody vine in the greenbrier … Scientific Name(s): Smilax aristolochiifolia Mill. They are generally 5–13 cm long. Smilax glabra has not been shown to treat or prevent cancer. Subdivision is best considered in terms of clades (A–D), corresponding to biogeography, with the main divisions being Old World (clades C, D) and New World (clade B) with the exception of S. aspera, that appears to be sister to all other species (clade A) and has a tri-continental disjunction. Larger greenbrier vines are capable of growing upright at least six feet. Leaves simple, alternate, 6-12 x 3-6.5 cm, ovate-oblong or ovate-lanceolate, base rounded, acute to shortly cuspidate at apex, coriaceous, glabrous and glossy, 3-5-ribbed from base; petiole to 2 cm long, tendril from either sides of the petiole. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. The seeds have the greatest chance of germinating after being exposed to a freeze. Alternatively, spray or brush the triclopyr solution onto the freshly cut stumps of greenbrier vines for control. Smilax is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. ABBREVIATION : SMIBON SYNONYMS : NO-ENTRY SCS PLANT CODE : SMBO2 COMMON NAMES : saw greenbrier greenbrier catbrier bullbrier chinabrier tramp's trouble TAXONOMY : The currently accepted scientific name for saw greenbrier is Smilax bona-nox L. (Smilacaceae, formerly Liliaceae) [12,16,19,30,41]. Its fruit are initially a dull brick red, but eventually turn reddish-brown at maturity. Leaf: simple, opposite or alternate, veins net-like between generally 3 stronger veins; petioles generally with 2+ tendrils near base. 26 ; Bamboo vine, Flora of North America Vol. It is a glabrous, dioecious perennial. List of various diseases cured by Smilax China. Smilax laurifolia … It is native to South America, Jamaica, the Caribbean, Mexico, Honduras, and the West Indies. Sarzae. It is distributed in India, Myanmar and Vietnam. Family: Smilacaceae Vent. Smilax aspera is an evergreen climbing plant producing stems about 3 metres long that attach themselves to other plants for support by means of tendrils. S. glabra is used in Chinese herbology. Uses of Smilax Macrophylla . The name sarsaparilla or zarzaparilla comes from the Spanish word zarza (bramble or bush), parra (vine), and illa (small)—a small, brambled vine. To make a 10% solution, add 13 fluid ounces of a 41% concentrate glyphosate product with enough water in a pump-up sprayer to make a gallon of spray. A large climbing shrubs; stems smooth, more or less 4-angled, armed with a few small distant prickles or almost unarmed. Other common names include sarsaparilla, Honduran sarsaparilla, and Jamaican sarsaparilla. It belongs to smilacaceae family of smilax genus. The “unarmed” vines, no thorns but smelly flowers, include the words Carrion Flower in their common name. Common greenbrier climbs other … Sarsaparilla (also zarzaparrilla, sarsparilla) is a name used specifically for the Jamaican S. ornata as well as a catch-all term in particular for American species. Common Name (s): Smilax blinii Smilax calophylla var. Smilax herbacea oldhamii (Miq.) peduncularis (Muhlenberg ex Willdenow) A. de Candolle Smilax herbacea var. This beautiful fruit is popular among wild birds as well as humans. peduncularis (Muhlenberg ex Willdenow) A. de Candolle Smilax herbacea var. Sarsaparilla gained fame among Europeans in the 1500s as a cure for … They are evergreen to parti… The genus Smilax is bound to catch your attention one way or another ... Those prickly Simlax have common names that include the words Greenbrier or Catbrier. 1903. Stuffed smilax pancake, or fúlíng jiābǐng (simplified Chinese: 茯苓夹饼; traditional Chinese: 茯苓夾餅), is a traditional snack from the Beijing region. Smilax has numerous uses. NameThatPlant.net currently features 3823 plants and 23,853 images. Masam. Common smilax, Rough bindweed, Sarsaparilla, Mediterranean smilax, Prickly-ivys, Catbriers, Greenbriers, Wild Sarsaparill, Smilaxes, Rough Bindweed, Prickly ivy, The Common Smilax, Rough Smilax, Italian Sarsaparilla and Mediterranean Smilax are the common names of Smilax. Common name: Lawyer Vine, Wait-a-while, Barbwire Vine. The young shoots can be eaten raw or cooked and are said to taste like asparagus, and the berries can be eaten both raw and cooked. It is a common and conspicuous part of the natural forest ecosystems in much of its native range. . Follow directions on herbicide labels for use and safety. The website also provides access to a database and images of herbarium specimens found at the University of South Florida and other herbaria. Many common names appear for these troublesome vines, such as catbriers, greenbriers, hogbriers, bullbriers, prickly-ivies, deer thorns, and smilaxes. LIFE FORM: Vine FEDERAL LEGAL STATUS: None OTHER STATUS: Roundleaf greenbrier is listed as rare in Canada [ 1 ]. 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. Interestingly, various species of the genus Smilax are used throughout the world against rheumatism and blood disorders, venereal diseases (e.g. Common name: Sarsaparilla Botanical name: smilax officinalis My overriding memory of Sarsaparilla is drinking it as a child. Coprosmanthus oldhamii (Miq.) Treatment appears in FNA Volume 26. Smilax rotundifolia, also known as roundleaf greenbrier or common greenbrier, is a woody vine native to the southeastern and eastern United States and eastern Canada. Flora of North America. [6], Section Smilax includes "woody",[a] prickly vines of temperate North America, for example cat greenbrier (S. glauca) and common greenbrier (S. Common Name: No Image. It is the monocot with reticulate type of venation. Joey Williamson, ©2016 HGIC, Clemson Extension, Smilax glabra (called the cat greenbrier) has a pale colored, lower leaf surface (glaucous), bluish-black fruit, and no spines along the leaf margins. Use pesticides only according to the directions on the label. The daily intake … Vines. Common names: Carrion-flower ... (Linnaeus) Small Nemexia nigra Rafinesque Smilax herbacea subsp. Copyright © 2021 Clemson UniversityClemson Cooperative Extension | 103 Barre Hall Clemson, SC 29634864-986-4310 | Contact UsHGIC@clemson.edu, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, Centipedegrass Yearly Maintenance Program, Ferti-lome Brush Killer Stump Killer Concentrate (8.8%). The lanceleaf greenbrier or bamboo vine (Smilax smallii) is practically thornless and makes a very attractive climbing vine for training on trellises. Stems are also equally beneficial. Stems annual, climbing, branching, to 2.5 m, herbaceous, … 26 ; blaspheme vine, Flora of North America Vol. Smilax species (greenbriers) are difficult to control weedy vines that will entangle through ornamental landscape shrubs. The berry is rubbery in texture and has a large, spherical seed in the center. Smilax glabra is known as Tufuling in traditional Chinese medicine. English name(s): Description: Climbing shrubs; stem prickly. Alternatively, wait until early spring to spray new growth. Click below on a thumbnail map or name for species profiles. Triclopyr is a broadleaf herbicide that is absorbed by the mature foliage of greenbrier vines. Table 1. They are evergreen to partially deciduous plants, produce strong tendrils at joints to aid in support, and are armored with stiff thorns along the vines. However, only about one in three colonies have plants of both sexes. 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 … It is a common and conspicuous part of the natural forest ecosystems in much of its native range. A jelly can be made … It is also a key ingredient in the Chinese medical dessert guīlínggāo, which makes use of its property to set certain kinds of jelly. Description. Common name: Sarsaparilla Botanical name: smilax officinalis My ove ... Common name: Sarsaparilla Botanical name: smilax officinalis My overriding memory of Sarsaparilla is drinking it as a child. Besides their berries providing an important food for birds and other animals during the winter, greenbrier plants also provide shelter for many other animals. Deer and other herbivorous mammals will eat the foliage, as will some invertebrates such as Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), which also often drink nectar from the flowers. It is also known as Smilax medica and Smilax aristolochiaefolia. The stems of many Smilax species are covered with prickles and, sometimes, these vines are cultivated to form impenetrable thickets (which are called catbriers or … The female plants produce small, ¼- to ½-inch blue-black, black, or red fruit, which are held in small clusters. Smilax rotundifolia L. – common greenbrier, greenbrier, bullbriar, common catbriar, horsebriar, roundleaf greenbriar, roundleaf greenbrier Species Smilax smallii Morong – small greenbrier, lanceleaf greenbrier Smilax australis R.Br. I remember being at my grandparents and a wasp had got in to my drink and stung me in the mouth. The plant of Smilax is cultivated on the banks of Magadalena which was collected in 1805 by Humboldt. Stem: erect or climbing, generally prickly, scaly below, leafy above. It is a glabrous, dioecious perennial. If the greenbriers to be controlled are only a few small individual plants, it is possible to dig up the rhizomes. quadrangularis; Phonetic Spelling SMY-laks ro-tun-dih-FOH-lee-uh Description. Fruits of this plant are round and red coloured berries. But particularly fond of greenbriers are certain Nymphalidae caterpillars, for example those of: An extract from the roots of some species – most significantly Jamaican sarsaparilla (S. ornata) – is used to make the sarsaparilla drink and other root beers, as well as herbal drinks like the popular Baba Roots from Jamaica. It is known as … Mentioned on page 467, 471. [6], Pantropical, extending into adjacent temperate zones to north and south. Smilax has numerous uses. They can be found growing in a climbing manner, attaching themselves to trees and shrubs throughout that range. It climbs well and can grow to be over 50 yards long. The production of tendrils allows the vines to stabilize their height by tightly hanging onto shrub branches and low hanging tree limbs. The website also provides access to a database and images of herbarium specimens found at the University of South Florida and other herbaria. Smilax formosana (Hayata) Hayata. Smilax, a member of the lily family, is native to tropical and temperate parts of the world and comprises about 350 species worldwide. Most species of greenbrier in SC have blue-black or black fruit that contain from one to three hard seeds; a few species have red fruit. Sarsaparilla is the common name for Smilax ornata (formally smilax regelii), which has been used medicinally to treat everything from chronic pain to toe fungus. The Atlas of Florida Plants provides a source of information for the distribution of plants within the state and taxonomic information. Smilax aspera, with common names common smilax, rough bindweed, sarsaparille, and Mediterranean smilax, is a species of flowering vine in the greenbriar family.Smilax aspera is a perennial, evergreen climber with a flexible and delicate stem, with sharp thorns. Treatment on page 473. Flowering and fruiting season of this plant is month of august. How Smilax China is effective for various diseases is listed in repertory format. In one clinical study with 92 patients it was reported that use of the root improved psoriasis lesions in 62% of cases and completely cleared lesions in 18% of cases. Birds and small mammals often consume these fruit in winter and spread the seed. Sarsaparilla (also zarzaparrilla, sarsparilla) is a … Smilax species (greenbriers) are difficult to control weedy vines that will entangle through ornamental landscape shrubs. Joey Williamson, ©2017 HGIC, Clemson Extension, Smilax bona-nox has uniquely shaped leaves with basal lobes, the foliage is mottled (lightly spotted with pale green), and the leaf margins have small spines. It is an Ayurvedic herb, quite interestingly this herbal root got famous in the treatment while treating the Gout of King Charles V. Roots are the most common used part. The root has been used in combination with other herbs to treat various types of infections and inflammatory conditions. 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. These vines are native to North America. The genus has traditionally been considered as divided into a number of sections, but molecular phylogenetic studies reveals that these morphologically defined subdivisions are not monophyletic. Sarsaparilla is a generic name given to a collection of different members of the Smilax species. See Table 1 for examples of products containing glyphosate. Sarsaparilla, a beverage and medicinal used against rheumatism, is obtained from the rhizomes of various species, mainly from Mexico and Central America. The Plants Database includes the following 26 species of Smilax . Common names include catbriers, greenbriers, prickly-ivys and smilaxes. Joey Williamson, ©2016 HGIC, Clemson Extension, Smilax bona-nox (called the saw greenbrier) is one of the three very common greenbriers in SC. There is some soil activity with triclopyr, so do not use products containing triclopyr near desirable landscape plants, and do not allow the triclopyr solution to contact the trunks, stems, or foliage of desirable plants. crenulata; Smilax rotundifolia var. The leaves are glossy green, petioled, alternate, and circular to heart-shaped. Some species also have spines along the margins of the leaves to aid in defense from animal browsers. Pl. Greenbriers are perennial vines and capable of growing under low light conditions, which allows for rapid growth beneath shrubs to become well established. Reference Sources. Leaves with lamina lanceolate to broad-elliptic or ovate, mostly 5–15 cm long, 3–10 cm wide, apex acute to rounded and emarginate; lamina ± concolorous, glabrous, leathery, 5-veined, reticulate venation … Common Name(s): Brambles; Bullbrier; Catbrier; Chaineybriar; Common Catbrier; Common Greenbrier; Horsebrier; Horse Brier; Round-Leaved Greenbrier; Previously known as: Smilax rotundifolia var. This prickly vine is native to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The fruit are black.Joey Williamson, ©2016 HGIC, Clemson Extension, Greenbriers, such as this roundleaf greenbrier, grow tall and attach to woody plants for both support and additional height by tightly holding onto branches with tendrils. Uses, Benefits, Cures, Side Effects, Nutrients in Smilax China. Leaves with lamina lanceolate to broad-elliptic or ovate, mostly 5–15 cm long, 3–10 cm wide, apex acute to rounded and emarginate; lamina ± concolorous, glabrous, leathery, 5-veined, reticulate venation prominent; petiole … DISTRIBUTION AND OCCURRENCE … Some of the popular common names of the plants are China root, Chinese smilax and Bamboo Briar Root. [3][4] They 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. Smilax rotundifolia, also known as roundleaf greenbrier or common greenbrier, is a woody vine native to the southeastern and eastern United States and eastern Canada. But in fact, these sturdy vines are hard-working, interesting, and valuable members of Virginia’s ecosystems. Spanish common names include zarzaparilla, cocolmeca and alambrilla. Smilax china is a deciduous Climber growing to 4.5 m (14ft 9in). APNI* Synonyms: Smilax latifolia R.Br. All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas. Smilax is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. The plant is often grown to form an impenetrable barrier. Not all greenbrier vines are troublesome weeds. Flora of North America (FNA) Collection. Those prickly Simlax have common names that include the words Greenbrier or Catbrier. [5] The leaves are 8–10 centimetres (3.1–3.9 in) long, petiolated, alternate, tough … Entry for Smilax laurifolia Linnaeus [family SMILACACEAE] Herbarium. So they don’t sound so attractive. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy … U.S. 284, 1329. [7] Section Heterosmilax represents a previous separate genus that was found to be embedded within Smilax, and was reduced to a section within it. This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement of brand names or registered trademarks by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied, nor is any discrimination intended by the exclusion of products or manufacturers not named. The berries of sarsaparilla come in lustrous black, purple-blue and a red so rosy it could almost be called fuchsia. 1850. Flora of North America, Vol 26, Names. The name Scientific Name and Common Name; Kingdom: Plantae – Plants Subkingdom: Tracheobionta – Vascular plants Superdivision: Spermatophyta – Seed plants Division: Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants Class As a medicinal herb It is a powerful blood tonic, anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic and has potential … The leaves are typically mottled (that is, lightly spotted) but have no spines along the leaf margins. Their medicinal qualities were known to Native Americans and from there were adopted … Native Introduced Native and Introduced [5] Though this myth has numerous forms, it always centers around the unfulfilled and tragic love of a mortal man who is turned into a flower, and a woodland nymph who is transformed into a brambly vine. Common Name(s): Cat Brier; Chinaroot; China Root; Chin-lao-shu; Greenbrier; Jackson Brier; Kuang-yen-pa-hsieh; Sarsaparilla; Shan Ku'ei-lai; Shiny Leaf Smilax; Ti-hu-ling; Tufuling; Tu Fu-Ling; Previously known as: Smilax blinii; Smilax calophylla var. Wood [34,40,43] NRCS PLANT CODE : SMRO COMMON NAMES: roundleaf greenbrier common greenbrier TAXONOMY: The scientific name of roundleaf greenbrier is Smilax rotundifolia L. (Smilacaceae) [13,31]. LIFE FORM: Vine FEDERAL LEGAL STATUS: None OTHER STATUS: Roundleaf greenbrier is listed as rare in Canada . Smilax rotundifolia, Common Greenbrier, Common Catbrier, Bullbrier, Horsebrier. List of various diseases cured by Smilax China. Common names: Carrion-flower ... Small Nemexia nigra Rafinesque Smilax herbacea subsp. Due to the nectar-rich flowers, species like S. medica and S. officinalis are also useful honey plants. S.E. Since many Smilax colonies are single clones that have spread by rhizomes, both sexes may not be present at a site, in which case no fruit is formed. The fruit stays intact through winter, when birds and other animals eat them to survive. On NameThatPlant.net, plants are shown in different seasons (not just in flower), and you can hear Latin … APNI*. The Common Smilax (the common name; other names are Rough Bindweed and Prickly ivy, Mediterranean Smilax, Rough Smilax, Salsaparilla, Italian Sarsaparilla ) is a creeping or scrambling and vigorously climbing evergreen and tough shrub. It is an Ayurvedic herb, quite interestingly this herbal root got famous in the treatment while treating the Gout of King Charles V. Roots are the most common used part. Common names include catbriers, greenbriers, prickly-ivys and smilaxes. . Certain varieties of sarsaparilla can also be found in India and China. In South Carolina there are ten common Smilax species, along with five less common species. Sarsaparilla (Smilax regelii) Root, Cut and Sifted, Wildcrafted Common names: Jamaica Sarsaparilla, Anantamoo, Jupicanga, Khao Yen, Liseron Epineux, Wild LicoriceFamily: SmilacaceaeSarsaparilla (Smilax regelii or S. ornata) is a perennial trailing and climbing vine with prickly stems, native to tropical Central America and southern Mexico. However, if it is a larger vine, then chemical treatments will be necessary. Clinical research has validated the traditional use of sarsaparilla for skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, and leprosy. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). Joey Williamson, ©2016 HGIC, Clemson Extension, The long, sectioned greenbrier rhizomes have nodes where roots and new vines arise. Each rhizome may sprout additional fast growing vines from several inches to several feet from the original vine. These thorns actually aid in the support of the vines as they snag on nearby branches of shrubs and trees. Glyphosate has very little soil activity and should not be absorbed by the roots of nearby landscape plants. Smilax is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide.Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico.Raven & Zhengyi (2000), FNAEC (2002) They are climbing flowering plants, many of which are woody and/or thorny, in the monocotyledon family … ; This species is accepted, and its native range is Mexico to S. Tropical America and Trinidad. The leaves are shiny green, and the vines will grow to approximately 8 feet high. Rhizome irregularly lobed, thick tuber-like,10 - 30 cm in length, 4 - 7 cm in diameter, straight to slightly curved and monopodial in growth or occasionally branched, cylindrical, more or less knotty and occasionally tapering abruptly at the end, lateral buds may occur as small protrusions from the main rhizome. The root systems of greenbriers are typically very extensive, knobby rhizomes that are extremely difficult to pull out of the ground. I remember being at my grandparents and a … Because most chemical sprays may not penetrate the waxy coating on mature foliage, cut the vines and spray after they re-sprout tender new growth. If this document didn’t answer your questions, please contact HGIC at hgic@clemson.edu or 1-888-656-9988. Common name. Known Hazards None known Botanical References. crispifolia Pennell Smilax herbacea var. The common name is derived from th… It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen in October. They 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. Smilax aspera is a perennial, evergreen vine along with prickly stems. Leaves are large, shiny, rounded, and solid green. Using woody plants for support, greenbriers may grow as high as 30 feet.