Bullbrier, Greenbrier
Smilax bona-nox
Family: Smilacaceae
What it is like
A slightly woody plant. It is a climbing vine that keeps growing from year to year. The stems are four sided. The branches have long green tendrils. The leaves are triangle shaped. They are alternate and fall off during the year. They are 5-10 cm long. There can be teeth along the edge. The vine can be separately male or female. These are in dense round clusters. They are greenish-white. The fruit are black and small. They are 5-10 mm across. The seeds are very small and brown.
There are about 300 Smilax species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant.
Countries/locations it is found in
Britain, Europe, Mexico, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The fruit can be eaten raw or slightly cooked. The young shoots are cooked with other vegetables. The tuberous roots can be used in jellies and drinks. They can also be dried, thickened and used as flour.
Edible parts
Leaves, roots, fruit
How it is grown
It can be grown by seeds or cuttings.
The new young shoots are harvested.
Its other names
Local names
Zarza, Zarzaparilla