Common greenbrier
Smilax rotundifolia
Family: Smilacaceae
What it is like
A prickly vine. It is woody and loses many leaves during the year. It keeps growing from year to year. The stems are four sided. They are tough and green and become woody after the first year. It grows 10 m long. The branches have long tough tendrils. There are sharp sturdy thorns. The leaves are alternate. They are widest near the base and pointed at the tip. They are leathery, shiny and light brown when young but becoming dark green when older. The flowers are small and light green Male and female flowers are separate. They are in round clusters at the ends of stalks.
There are about 300 Smilax species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in moist and dry woods.
Countries/locations it is found in
Canada, North America, Slovenia, USA
How it is used for food
The dried root is used to extract starch. This is used in soups, breads, cakes, puddings, jellies and sweet drinks. The tender young shoots and unrolling leaves are eaten raw in salads. They are also cooked as a vegetable. They are boiled, steamed or pickled. A beer like root beer is made from the roots.
Edible parts
Leaves, root
How it is grown
It can be grown from seed or cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Bayou asparagus,Catbrier, Horse-brier, Okroglolistni oponec, Roundleaf Catbrier