Smilax smallii
lanceleaf greenbrier
Overview
Smilax smallii is an evergreen, woody climbing vine in the catbrier family, native to the southeastern United States. It climbs by paired tendrils to 15-30 feet (4.5-9 m), with slender green stems that are largely free of the heavy prickles found on related greenbriers, bearing only a few short spines near the base. The glossy, leathery leaves are lance-shaped to narrowly oval, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, deep green, and held through winter. Small greenish-white flowers appear in spring in rounded clusters; male and female flowers grow on separate plants, so only female vines set fruit. The fruit is a small dull red to black berry about 0.25 inch (6 mm) wide that ripens over winter. The vine grows from thick underground tubers and reroots readily, forming long-lived clumps that are slow to remove once established. It is widely cut for evergreen garland and sold in the floral trade as Jackson vine. In the garden the wiry stems climb into shrubs and small trees and are hard to untangle, so a dedicated support and regular containment are needed.
Native Range
Native to the southeastern United States, from Virginia and Arkansas south to Florida and Texas, in moist woods, floodplains, fence rows, and thickets.Suggested Uses
Used as an evergreen screen on trellises, arbors, and fences in the Southeast, and grown as a source of cut foliage for wreaths and garland. The persistent leaves give winter cover and the berries feed songbirds and other wildlife. It suits naturalistic plantings where its spreading habit has room.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 30'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring, from April to May, in small rounded clusters of greenish-white flowers. The species is dioecious, so only female plants produce fruit after pollination by small bees and flies. Berries ripen from dull red to black through fall and persist into winter.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
glossy deep greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 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