Smilax bona-nox
saw greenbrier
Southeastern United States and northeastern Mexico
Overview
Smilax bona-nox is a woody, climbing perennial vine in the catbrier family, scrambling 10-25 feet (3-7.5 m) into shrubs and small trees by paired tendrils. The green, angled stems are armed with stout, broad-based prickles, and the leathery leaves are 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long, variable in shape from triangular to fiddle-shaped, often with a pale or mottled pattern and bristly teeth along the margins. Small greenish-yellow flowers in rounded clusters appear in spring on separate male and female plants, the females followed by clusters of round black berries 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) across that ripen in autumn and persist into winter. The vine grows from large, woody underground tubers that resprout after cutting or fire, which makes established plants hard to remove. It climbs over fences, hedges, and trees and can smother shrubs if left unchecked. The prickly stems form dense, snagging thickets in woodland edges and clearings.
Native Range
Native to the southeastern and south-central United States and northeastern Mexico, from Maryland and Missouri south to Florida and Texas. It grows in woodland, thickets, fence rows, and disturbed ground on a range of soils.Suggested Uses
Rarely planted deliberately, it occurs mainly as a wild vine that gives cover and berries for birds and small mammals in thickets and woodland edges. Where tolerated, it forms a thorny barrier along fences and boundaries. In gardens it is usually managed as a weed rather than a cultivated climber.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 25'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Greenish-yellow flower clusters open in spring, from April to June, on separate male and female vines. The flowers are small and easily overlooked. Black berries ripen on female plants in autumn and hang on through winter.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Green, often mottledGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight