 | Bamboo Smilax, Bamboo Vine, Laurel Greenbrier, China-brier, Laurel-brier, Blaspheme-vine, Bay-leaf Smilax Smilax laurifolia Smilacaceae Bamboo smilax grows in acidic sandy swamps and wet woods of East Texas, east through Arkansas, Tennessee, north to New Jersey and south into Florida. This stout evergreen vine uses its paired tendrils to form impenetrable thickets. It has large rigid spines, usually not at the nodes. Its pale green leaves are very noticeable due to the way they are held on the stem at an upright angle. In October bamboo smilax forms grape-like clusters of persistent black fruit which is enjoyed by five species of birds. The underground stems become very large and thick: half woody, reddish tubers which were once used for food by Native Americans and early settlers. Plant Habit or Use: vine
Exposure: partial sun Flower Color: greenish white Blooming Period: summer Fruit Characteristics: black berry Height: 5 to 25 feet Width: 3 to 5 feet Plant Character: evergreen Heat Tolerance: high Water Requirements: Soil Requirements: acid Additional Comments:
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