False China root, China brier
Smilax pseudochina

Family: Smilacaceae

What it is like

A herb. It climbs 1-2 m. The leaves are evenly distributed and there are tendrils. The leaves are D shaped to oval and 5-12 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. There are 10-35 flowers in groups in the axils of leaves. The fruit are blue to black berries 4-6 mm across.

There are about 300 Smilax species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in moist or wet places on the coastal plain.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The root is boiled and eaten. The young shoots are used as an asparagus.

Edible parts

Leaves, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Smilax tamnifolia (Michx.); and others