Smilax laurifolia commonly called Greenbriar is normally found in coastal bogs, moist lowlands, and low sandy areas but will tolerate dry sites. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant). It is not self-fertile as both male and female plants must be grown to produce berries or seeds. Its leaves are thick, glossy, and green. It has spiny older stems and 1 to 2' tubers. This plant is moderately resistant to damage from deer. Fire Risk: This plant has a high flammability rating and should not be planted within the defensible space of your home. Select plants with a low flammability rating for the sites nearest your home.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
The lower leaf surface has a prominent midvein, whereas lateral veins are not as prominent, if at all. The leaves appear to be held vertically. Bright green foliage makes good greenery for flower arrangments.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow; Green; White
Flower form
Umbel
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Small round clusters of yellowish-green flowers in late summer
Bloom time
Summer
Fruit color
Black; Red/Burgundy
Fruit type
Berry
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
1/4 to 1/3" in diameter, dark red to black fruit that matures in the fall
Bark color
Dark Brown; Green; Red/Burgundy
Bark detail
It begins green but eventually turns brownish-red.
Stem detail
Green to brown-green, round or slightly angled, thorny, tendrils present.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
US: Gulf and southeast Atlantic coastal plains, Bahamas, Cuba
Distribution
Central New Jersey, south to southern Florida, and west to eastern Texas. Inland, north from the Gulf Coast to Arkansas, and west from the Atlantic Coast to eastern Tennessee.
Wildlife value
The dense vine tangles provide nesting and hiding cover for birds and other wildlife. Its fruits are eaten by Black bears, songbirds, ruffed grouse, wide turkeys, and quail. White-tailed deer browse the leaves and twigs, especially in the winter.
Attracts
Bees; Butterflies; Small Mammals; Songbirds
Food & Medicine
Edible parts
Roots; Shoots
Harvest time
Fall; Summer
Fruit type
Berry
Edibility
The cooked root is rich in starch and can be dried and ground into a powder to be used as a flavoring in soups or for making bread. The young shoots when cooked can be used as a substitute for asparagus.
Uses (ethnobotany)
Medicinally, it is used to relieve pains and cramps, sores and burns, rheumatism, and stomach problems