Description

Greenbriar (Smilax rotundifolia) is a perennial woody vine that often climbs other vegetation. The broad heart-shaped leaves are shiny and have parallel venation and smooth margins. The stems have many sharp prickles along their entire length. Greenbriar can form thickets of vegetation in undisturbed sites, as well as in open landscapes and nursery areas.

Cultural Control

Perennial broadleaf weeds are capable of living more than two years. Greenbriar is a difficult-to-control vine that often climbs other vegetation.

Species Data

• GROWTH SEASON / LIFE CYCLE
  • perennial weed
• GROWTH HABIT
  • upright; vining
    Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4
• LEAFLET NUMBER
  • one
    Figure 5, Figure 6, Figure 7
• LEAF MARGIN
  • smooth
• LEAF HAIRS
  • has no hairs, but very prominent thorns and prickles
• LEAF / LEAFLET SHAPE
  • heart / kidney / spade / oval / egg-shaped / elliptical
• LEAF WIDTH
  • 1 to greater than 2 inches
• LEAF VENATION
  • parallel
• LEAF ARRANGEMENT
  • alternate
• ROOT TYPE
  • fibrous; very "woody"; may also be found with white rhizomes
    Figure 8, Figure 9
• FLOWER COLOR
  • yellow; yellowish brown