Common names: bristly greenbrier, hellfetter, Chinaroot, bamboo greenbrier

Scientific names: Smilax tamnoides (S. hispida, S. pseudochina)

Seasons of significant use: fall, winter (for Smilax spp. complex)

Characteristics: Native, perennial, somewhat woody vine. Stems high climbing by tendrils, to 40.0 feet, circular in cross section or nearly so, usually densely spined on lower portion, often sparsely spined or spineless on upper portion; spines needlelike but often flattened, relatively weak and flexible, unequal, yellow-black; leaves deciduous, alternate, simple, net veined, variable in shape but usually ovate to oval, margin without prickles, upper surface green and lustrous; plants are dioecious; inflorescences are staminate and pistillate umbels, axillary; fruit is spherical berry, mostly 1-seeded but sometimes 2-seeded, black, some persistent into winter but usually in a dessicated state, maturing August-September. Flowers March-June.

Plant community type: Primarily in wooded bottomlands. Especially along creeks, streams, etc.

Comments: In our region, it is usually possible to find some green plant parts (usually just stems) throughout the year.

More Plant Photos and Descriptions:
Appendix C: Plants by Common Name
Appendix C: Plants by Scientific Name
Appendix C: Plants Listed by Family