greenbriers

Greenbriers are a group of climbing shrubs and vines in the genus Smilax, in the family Smilacaceae. They are commonly called greenbriers, catbriers, or sarsaparilla and include several dozen to hundreds of species depending on classification. The best-known North American species are Smilax rotundifolia (common greenbrier), Smilax bona-nox (saw greenbrier), Smilax glauca (blunt-leaved greenbrier), and Smilax hispida (bristly greenbrier).

Description: Greenbriers are perennial, woody climbers that use tendrils to grasp supports. Many species have prickles along the stems. Leaves are simple, alternately arranged, often glossy and evergreen in milder climates. Flowers are small, greenish, and arranged in clusters; fruits are berries that ripen to dark blue or black and are dispersed by birds.

Distribution and habitat: Native to woodlands, thickets, and woodland edges in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions; in North America they are most common in the eastern states. They tolerate a range of soils and can proliferate in disturbed sites and hedgerows.

Ecology and uses: Berries provide food for birds and small mammals; roots of some Smilax species have historically been used to make sarsaparilla, a flavoring beverage; other parts are not widely used due to potential toxicity. Handling the vines can irritate skin due to thorns.

Management: Greenbriers form dense thickets and may be difficult to eradicate; control methods include pruning and herbicide application to cut stems and exposed roots.