Roundleaf Greenbrier

(Smilax rotundifolia)

Roundleaf Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Smilax rotundifolia, commonly known as Roundleaf Greenbrier, is a deciduous or semi-deciduous vine native to a variety of habitats including moist woodlands, thickets, and forest edges in the Eastern USA. It is a climbing or trailing vine with thorny stems that can reach up to 20 feet in length. The stems are pale green and glabrous, with the youngest often appearing square-shaped. As the vine matures, the stem color transitions to dark brown. Roundleaf Greenbrier is notable for its greenish-white flowers, which are small and form in umbels of 3–20 flowers from the leaf axils. The plant is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants, each about a quarter inch long. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, lasting approximately two weeks. Female flowers give way to berries containing up to three seeds each.

This species is valued for its ability to provide dense foliage and cover, making it suitable for naturalistic plantings and as a wildlife habitat. It can be used for erosion control on slopes or as a ground cover if there is nothing to climb. Roundleaf Greenbrier prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade, requires medium amounts of water, and grows best in soils with medium drainage. While it can be a vigorous grower, it may become problematic if not managed, as the thorns can make it difficult to handle, and it can become entangled with other plants.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Vine, Shrub
  • Height: 10-20 feet
  • Width: 3-5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: Yellow, Green, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous, Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption.

Natural Habitat

Moist woodlands, thickets, and forest edges in the Eastern USA

Other Names

Common Names: Bullbriar, Common Catbriar, Common Greenbrier, Greenbrier, Horsebriar, Roundleaf Greenbriar, Catbrier, Bullbrier, Common Greenbriar, Round-Leaved Carrionflower

Scientific Names: , Smilax rotundifolia, Smilax rotundifolia var. quadrangularis, Smilax quadrangularis, Smilax caduca, Smilax rotundifolia var. crenulata, Smilax rotundifolia var. missourensis, Smilax rotundifolia var. sprengelii, Smilax ciliata, Smilax deltifolia

GBIF Accepted Name: Smilax rotundifolia L.