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Cat-brier, Zarzaparrilla, Saw Greenbrier, Fiddle-leaf Greenbrier, China-brier, Bull-brier, Tramp's-trouble, Stretch-berry, Catbriar, Fringed Greenbrier
Smilax bona-nox

Smilacaceae

Cat-brier inhabits thickets, dry woods, roadsides and fields of Texas, east to Florida, north to Massachusetts and Nebraska and south into Mexico and the Bahamas. This rampant vine with slender underground stolons can stay low and rambling or climb extensively by tendrils. It has stout four-angled canes sporting green, black or brown spines at the nodes and internodes. The leaves, which are greatly variable in shape, remain evergreen on the vine through most of the winter in its southern range. Cat-brier fruit is enjoyed by thirteen species of birds, including ruffled grouse. It also provides cover for wildlife. On disturbed sites it is useful as a revegetation plant.

Plant Habit or Use: vine

Exposure: partial sun
shade

Flower Color: green

Blooming Period: spring

Fruit Characteristics: black berry

Height: 20 feet

Width: 6 feet

Plant Character: deciduous
semievergreen

Heat Tolerance: high

Water Requirements:

Soil Requirements: neutral
alkaline

USDA Hardiness Zone: 5

Additional Comments:



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