Greenbrier
smilax rotundifolia
Also known as: ["Roundleaf Greenbrier","Catbrier"]
Overview
A woody, climbing vine native to eastern North America, known for its prickly stems and glossy, round leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Smilacaceae |
| Genus: | Smilax |
| Botanical Name: | Smilax rotundifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: naturalized areas, woodland edges, or shaded garden beds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to well-draining; avoid waterlogged soil.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter; adaptable to various soil types but prefers fertile conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the oldest stems to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates low light but prefers dappled sunlight for best growth.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; avoid direct afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch; place in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sunlight; provide shade during peak hours; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; maintain slightly acidic pH.
Temperature
Adaptable to a range of temperatures; thrives in 60–80°F (15–27°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but may become dormant in winter.
Protect from extreme cold; provide shade in hot weather; maintain consistent temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth
Use a balanced fertilizer; dilute to half strength; fertilize in spring and summer only.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
- Wait for roots to develop.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–6 weeks; new growth may take an additional 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings humid; provide warmth for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems back to the base or lateral buds; thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Prune to control growth, remove dead or damaged stems, and encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for thicker stems), gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged stems; thin overcrowded areas; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger than the current one; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Select new pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility; mix in perlite or sand to enhance drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or leaf drop in extreme heat or cold; stunted growth in unfavorable conditions.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf drop; can become dormant in temperatures below 50°F (10°C); prolonged cold can damage roots.
Solution: Provide mulch to insulate roots; move potted plants to a sheltered location; avoid watering when soil is frozen.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or scorch; growth may slow; excessive heat can stress the plant and reduce vigor.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity around the plant; water deeply to cool roots.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; dilute if necessary; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; apply lightly every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume the berries of Smilax rotundifolia. The saponins present can lead to digestive upset, though severe toxicity is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Smilax rotundifolia can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs due to the presence of saponins. The effects are typically not life-threatening but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSmilax rotundifolia berries contain saponins and other compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Smilax rotundifolia edible?
A: The berries are mildly toxic to humans but can be cooked into jams or jellies in small quantities. The roots have been used traditionally for food.
Q: How does Greenbrier spread?
A: It spreads via rhizomes and seeds, often forming dense thickets in wooded areas.
Q: Is Greenbrier invasive?
A: Yes, it can be invasive in gardens and natural areas due to its vigorous growth and spreading habit.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Smilacaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
