Roundleaf Greenbrier
Smilax rotundifolia
Also listed as Smilax caduca, Smilax ciliata
Also known as Common Greenbrier, Common Catbriar, Bullbriar
Climate Match for your location
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A native deciduous vine with thorny stems and rounded leaves, often used as a groundcover or allowed to climb. It produces small greenish flowers followed by blue-black berries attractive to wildlife.
Why grow it
Roundleaf greenbrier offers reliable wildlife value through its blue-black berries, which persist into winter and support migratory birds when other food sources are scarce. As a native deciduous vine, it requires minimal maintenance once established and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, making it useful for erosion control or rough edges where ornamental vines might struggle. It can function as either a groundcover or climbing element depending on available structure, giving it more flexibility than many competing species.
Watch out for
The thorny stems can make this plant difficult to manage or clear once established, so consider placement carefully before planting. Growth can be vigorous in favorable conditions, and it may need occasional cutting back to prevent it from overwhelming nearby plantings or structures. Propagation from cuttings or seed can be slow and unpredictable for home gardeners.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Smilacaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Climber
Vines that climb the layers above on a support.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A native deciduous vine with thorny stems and rounded leaves, often used as a groundcover or allowed to climb. It produces small greenish flowers followed by blue-black berries attractive to wildlife.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Roundleaf Greenbrier grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Roundleaf greenbrier offers reliable wildlife value through its blue-black berries, which persist into winter and support migratory birds when other food sources are scarce. As a native deciduous vine, it requires minimal maintenance once established and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, making it useful for erosion control or rough edges where ornamental vines might struggle. It can function as either a groundcover or climbing element depending on available structure, giving it more flexibility than many competing species.
Watch out for
The thorny stems can make this plant difficult to manage or clear once established, so consider placement carefully before planting. Growth can be vigorous in favorable conditions, and it may need occasional cutting back to prevent it from overwhelming nearby plantings or structures. Propagation from cuttings or seed can be slow and unpredictable for home gardeners.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Smilacaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Climber
Vines that climb the layers above on a support.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar climbers you might consider:
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