Plant DetailShow Menu

Southern Smilax Smilax maritima

Other plants called Southern Smilax:

Previously known as:

  • Smilax smallii
Phonetic Spelling
SMY-laks muh-RIT-tim-muh
Description

A perennial woody native evergreen vine in the green briar family.  It twines and climbs by tendrils.  It is not as aggressive, as prickly, or as high a climber as other members of its genus. Shiny evergreen foliage is used by florists in floral arrangements. The upper parts of the vine are essentially prickle-less and easy to handle.  It is native to the coastal plains in the Southeast to Texas. This plant prefers acidic moist soils in full to partial sun.

Quick ID

  • Evergreen vine with green zig-zag stem
  • Stipules usually terminate in curling tendrils
  • Lower parts of vine may have prickles
  • Leaves are lanceolate, maculate and parallel-veined
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy leaves#tendrils#spring flowers#small mammals#moist soil#NC native#trellises#climbing vines#summer flowers#prickly#native vine#acidic soils tolerant#screening#black fruits#fantz#twining vine#sandy soils tolerant#bird friendly#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#coastal plant#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy leaves#tendrils#spring flowers#small mammals#moist soil#NC native#trellises#climbing vines#summer flowers#prickly#native vine#acidic soils tolerant#screening#black fruits#fantz#twining vine#sandy soils tolerant#bird friendly#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#coastal plant#perennial
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Smilax
    Species:
    maritima
    Family:
    Smilacaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    SE. U.S.A. to E. Texas
    Distribution:
    AL , AR , DE , FL , GA , LA , MS , NC , OK , SC , TX , VA
    Wildlife Value:
    Fruits are eaten by birds and mammals
    Climbing Method:
    Tendrils
    Twining
    Edibility:
    The tuber is edible
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Native Plant
    Perennial
    Vine
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Climbing
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Appendage:
    Prickles
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Moist
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Black
    Purple/Lavender
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Winter
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Glaucus purple black berries on long stalks with 2-3 seeds
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Umbel
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    Tepals
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Axillary umbles of 5-8 tiny green-yellow flowers.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Oblanceolate
    Oblong
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    3-4 inch long and 1-2 inches wide glabrous leaves, small amount of hair, simple, entire margins, alternate oblaceolate to oblong with three prominate veins.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Dark Brown
    Green
    Bark Description:
    Green, turning greenish-brown on older stems.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Round
    Stem Form:
    Zig Zags
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
    Stem Description:
    Zig-zag green stems become orange-red near the base. Usually smooth glaborus but sometimes have prickles.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Coastal
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Vertical Spaces
    Landscape Theme:
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Screen/Privacy