Common Greenbrier, Roundleaf Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Liliopsida>Liliales>Smilacaceae>Smilax rotundifolia L.

This prickly, thicket-forming, high-climbing woody vine is common throughout North Carolina in a wide variety of habitats. The leaves are semi-evergreen.

Durham Co., NC 10/16/2008.

The stout prickles are familiar to anyone exploring the woods in the eastern US.

Other common names include Bullbrier and Horsebrier.

Durham Co., NC 10/16/2008.

Mecklenburg Co., VA 5/2/06.

The small flowers are yellowish-green.

Mecklenburg Co., VA 5/2/06.

Common Greenbrier, Roundleaf Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia) flowers

Chapel Hill, NC 5/2/09.

The dark blue-black fruits, which are covered with a whitish bloom, may last through the winter.

Orange Co., NC 3/9/08.

More information:
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Northern Virginia Ecology
Virginia Tech Dendrology

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