Smilax bona-nox, commonly known as Saw Greenbrier or Catbrier, is a perennial, deciduous vine native to a variety of habitats including coastal plains, sandy woods, thickets, and edges of marshes in the Southern United States and eastern Mexico. It can grow in a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and is adaptable to various soil types, though it prefers moist, well-drained soils. Saw Greenbrier typically climbs to heights of up to 10 feet (3 meters) using tendrils and has a sprawling habit.

This vine is known for its prickly stems and waxy, heart-shaped leaves, which provide dense cover and can be used for privacy or as a natural barrier. The plant is dioecious, with separate male and female plants. It produces small, greenish-white flowers in the spring, which are not particularly showy, followed by clusters of black and blue berries in the fall that are attractive to wildlife. The berries are also edible for humans. Saw Greenbrier is valued for its wildlife habitat benefits, as it provides food and cover for birds, deer, and black bears. Historically, Native Americans utilized the leaves for cigarette wrappers and the roots for making bread and medicinal remedies. In cultivation, it can be used for naturalizing areas or as a tough, resilient ground cover in challenging sites. However, it can become invasive and difficult to control due to its vigorous growth and underground rhizomes. Control methods include the use of herbicides or prescribed burns, but it often resprouts.CC BY-SA 4.0