Catbrier, also known as Greenbrier or Smilax
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Liliales, Family: Smilacaceae, Genus: Smilax, Species: Smilax bona-nox · Smilacaceae (Catbrier or Greenbrier family) · Simple leaf, deciduous to evergreen depending on climate
Species
Smilax bona-nox
Leaf Type
Simple leaf, deciduous to evergreen depending on climate
Family
Smilacaceae (Catbrier or Greenbrier family)
Shape
Hastate to deltoid or cordate, with prominent ear-like basal lobes (auriculate)
Size
Approximately 2 to 3 inches long and wide, typical for the species
Margin
Entire (smooth), sometimes bristly or prickly along the edges
Arrangement
Alternate along the climbing or trailing stems
Rarity
Very Common within its native southeastern and south-central range
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green on the upper surface, paler green underneath; uniform coloration with no significant variegation
Venation Pattern
Palmate venation featuring prominent parallel or convergent veins originating near the base
Texture & Surface
Leathery (coriaceous), glossy, and glabrous (smooth) surface
Description
Smilax bona-nox is a woody, climbing vine armed with sharp prickles. It produces glossy, variable leaves that often feature distinct hastate or fiddle-like shapes. The plant produces small, umbel-like clusters of greenish-white flowers followed by dark blue or black berries
Key Features
Hastate or arrow-head shaped leaves with basal ear-like lobes, prominent parallel-like palmate veins, glossy leathery texture, and woody prickly stems
Habitat
Thickets, woodland edges, fence rows, and disturbed areas, preferring moist soils and partial to full sun
Geographic Range
Native to the southeastern and south-central United States, extending from Texas east to Florida and north to New York and Kansas
Condition Notes
The leaf specimen is in good overall condition, pressed flat with intact margins, minor natural variations, and no significant disease or insect damage visible
Interesting Facts
Greenbrier vines provide essential thicket cover and winter food for numerous wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and songbirds
Medicinal & Uses
Indigenous peoples used various parts of Smilax species for food, starch production, and traditional medicinal treatments for joint pain and skin conditions
Ecological Role
Acts as an important ecological thicket-former, providing crucial nesting sites and protective cover for birds and small mammals, though it can form dense, aggressive tangles
Similar Species
Other Smilax species such as Smilax rotundifolia and Smilax glauca, which can be distinguished by leaf shape variations, stem prickle characteristics, and lower leaf coloration
Foraging Tips
Look for climbing or scrambling woody vines with prickles along forest edges and fence rows. Young spring shoots are sometimes harvested as an asparagus substitute
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic; many parts of the plant are safely consumed by wildlife and historically by humans