Saw Greenbrier
Smilax bona-nox
Also listed as Smilax renifolia, Smilax alpini
Also known as Greenbrier, Kidneyleaf Greenbriar, Green Briar
Climate Match for your location
See how well Saw Greenbrier grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A thorny, deciduous vine native to the southeastern United States that climbs by tendrils and produces small greenish flowers followed by blue-black berries attractive to wildlife. It thrives in part shade and is useful for covering structures, though its sharp thorns require careful placement away from high-traffic areas.
Why grow it
Saw greenbrier offers wildlife value comparable to other native southeastern vines, with berries that persist into winter and provide food for birds when other sources are scarce. Unlike many ornamental vines, it requires minimal maintenance once established and tolerates poor soils and shade conditions that limit options for other climbing plants. Its deciduous habit allows light penetration in winter, making it useful for structures where year-round screening is not desired.
Watch out for
The thorns can make routine maintenance and pruning more time-consuming than thornless alternatives, so plan accordingly if the vine will need regular access for cleaning or repair. Because it spreads by rhizomes and self-seeds readily, it may encroach beyond its intended growing area in favorable conditions, particularly in moist sites where it establishes easily.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Smilacaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southeastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, 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
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A thorny, deciduous vine native to the southeastern United States that climbs by tendrils and produces small greenish flowers followed by blue-black berries attractive to wildlife. It thrives in part shade and is useful for covering structures, though its sharp thorns require careful placement away from high-traffic areas.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Saw Greenbrier grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Saw greenbrier offers wildlife value comparable to other native southeastern vines, with berries that persist into winter and provide food for birds when other sources are scarce. Unlike many ornamental vines, it requires minimal maintenance once established and tolerates poor soils and shade conditions that limit options for other climbing plants. Its deciduous habit allows light penetration in winter, making it useful for structures where year-round screening is not desired.
Watch out for
The thorns can make routine maintenance and pruning more time-consuming than thornless alternatives, so plan accordingly if the vine will need regular access for cleaning or repair. Because it spreads by rhizomes and self-seeds readily, it may encroach beyond its intended growing area in favorable conditions, particularly in moist sites where it establishes easily.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Smilacaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southeastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, 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
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar climbers you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.