Roundleaf Greenbriar
Smilax rotundifolia
| Common Name: | Roundleaf greenbriar (a.k.a. Common greenbriar, Common catbriar, Bullbriar, Horsebriar) |
| Scientific Name: | Smilax rotundifolia |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Growth Form: | Woody vine |
| Native Range: | Southeastern United States |
| Alien Range: | Most of the eastern |
| Introduction: | Spreads both by seed and vegetatively. |
| Description: | ·Leaves: Simple, alternate, heart-shaped or round. 5-13 cm long (2-5 in.), parallel veins, entire margins. Glossy.
·Stem: Can be angled or rounded. Sharp spines, tendrils attached to petioles that are used to climb other vegetation. ·Flowers: Green. Present from April until August. ·Fruit: Blue-black berry. Appears in September; may stay through winter. Red seeds. 5-6 mm (0.25 in.) in diameter. |
| Threats: | Roundleaf greenbriar is a weed that often invades orchards, Christmas tree plantations, and landscaped areas, forming dense thickets and climbing up other plants. |
| Fun Facts: | In the past, roundleaf greenbriar was called “the devil’s wrapping yarn” because of its thorns and tendrils. |
English ivy on a tree
Leaf
English ivy taking over a tree
Tendril
Thorn
Plant