Smilax hispida (02/02/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to dappled shade
Flowering period: Early summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 10m
Eventual Spread: 2m
Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Family: Smilacaceae
Smilax hispida is an evergreen flowering vine with a scrambling/ climbing habit. Its glossy dark green leathery leaves ovate to cordate with entire margins, up to 12cm long and 9cm broad. Tendrils appear from the base of its leaves enabling this plant to self cling. Its stems are flexible and have bristle like prickles. Its dioecious green fragrant flowers are small and appear as axillary racemes which are up to 7cm long. Its black fruit on the female plants are globose berries which are up to 1cm across.
Smilax hispida Leaf (02/02/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Smilax hispida, commonly known as Green Briar, Bristly Greenbrier or Catbrier, is native to cenral and east USA. In its native habitat it grows in woodland and scrub. Smilax hispida is synonymous with Smilax tamnoides var. hispida.
The etymological root of the binomial name Smilax is derived from the Greek meaning ‘poison’, as Dioscorides described it as an antidote to poison. Hispida is from the Latin meaning ‘hairy’.
The landscape architect may find Smilax hispida useful as an informal barrier plant. Once established this climber is drought tolerant. It may be grown as an effective ground control plant when grown along the ground.
Smilax hispida Thorns (02/02/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Smilax hispida flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. Its berries are attractive to many species of birds.
Smilax hispida prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will tolerate wet soils.
Smilax hispida requires little maintenance.
