Rough Bindweed
ExplorePlants
Rough Bindweed
Smilax aspera
Rough Bindweed is a climbing plant with thick, green leaves and pretty white flowers. It loves to grow in sunny places and can wrap around other plants as it climbs up towards the sun.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Rough Bindweed is a scrambling, thorny vine with glossy, dark green, heart-shaped or triangular leaves. Its stems are armed with sharp prickles, giving it a distinctive 'rough' feel. Small, pale green to white flowers appear in clusters, later developing into bright red berries.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderLilialesFamilySmilacaceaeGenusSmilax
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient people in some cultures used parts of this tough vine for medicine!
It can live for many years, making it a very durable and resilient plant!
Its name 'Smilax' comes from a Greek myth about a powerful nymph!
The plant's bright red berries are a vital winter feast for many birds!
Special abilities
Ability
Thorny Defender
Rough Bindweed has sharp prickles along its stems and leaves that help it cling to other plants and defend itself from grazing animals.
Ability
Climbing Gripper
This vine can grow incredibly tall using its strong tendrils to wrap around trees and shrubs, reaching sunlight in dense forests.
Ability
Evergreen Survivor
The Rough Bindweed keeps its tough, leathery leaves all year long, allowing it to make food even when other plants lose theirs.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 100-500 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.3-0.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late summer to autumn
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
eaten by
Blackbird
Turdus merula
Berries provide vital winter food for this bird.
pollinates
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
Its small flowers are visited by bees for nectar and pollen.
shelters
Blackcap
Sylvia atricapilla
Dense thorny vines offer protected nesting sites for small birds.
Traits
Climbing/Vine
Climbing or vine plants are characterized by a growth habit that allows them to ascend upwards by twining, tendrils, or adhesive roots.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Spiky/Thorny
Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Don't eat any plants unless an adult says it's safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Rough Bindweed?
100-500 cm
How big are the flowers on Rough Bindweed?
0.3-0.5 cm
When does Rough Bindweed bloom?
Late summer to autumn
Is Rough Bindweed edible?
No
Is Rough Bindweed toxic?
Mild
What is Rough Bindweed's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Rough Bindweed pollinated?
Insect
Where is Rough Bindweed usually found?
Urban areas
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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