Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Common Greenbrier, Roundleaf Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Liliopsida>Liliales>Smilacaceae>Smilax rotundifolia L.
Common Greenbrier, Roundleaf Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia)

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.

Common Greenbrier, Roundleaf Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia)

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.

Common Greenbrier, Roundleaf Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia)

Mecklenburg Co., VA 5/2/06.

Common Greenbrier, Roundleaf Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia)

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.

Common Greenbrier, Roundleaf Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia)

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:
Bioimages
Northern Virginia Ecology
Virginia Tech Dendrology

Recommended Tree, Shrub, and Woody Vine Identification Guides

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

All photographs and text ©2013 by Will Cook unless otherwise noted.