ExplorePlants

roundleaf greenbrier

Smilax rotundifolia

Roundleaf greenbrier is a climbing plant with round leaves that can grow in many places. It has little green flowers and can make tasty berries that some animals love to eat!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The roundleaf greenbrier has glossy, broad, heart-to-oval shaped leaves, often with wavy edges. Its tough, woody stems are armed with sharp, dark prickles, and it produces clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers that turn into dark blue-black berries.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderLilialesFamilySmilacaceaeGenusSmilax
roundleaf greenbrier
climbing trait badgedeciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgefruit_bearing trait badge
roundleaf greenbrier

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

It's sometimes called "catbrier" because its thorns snag like a cat's claw.

Its berries provide a vital winter food source for many birds.

Native Americans used its strong stems to weave baskets and ties.

You can eat the young shoots in spring; they taste like asparagus!

Special abilities

Ability

Climbing Master

Roundleaf greenbrier can grow long tendrils that help it climb high into trees to reach sunlight.

Ability

Thorny Defender

Roundleaf greenbrier has sharp, stout prickles along its stems that protect it from hungry animals.

Ability

Survivor Roots

Roundleaf greenbrier can regrow quickly from deep, tough underground rhizomes, even after fires or damage.

Measurements & details

Height
100-500 cm
Flower Size
0.2-0.4 cm
Bloom Season
Spring-early summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

eaten by

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

Eats its nutritious berries in winter.

eats

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Browses on its leaves and young stems.

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Visits its small flowers for nectar and pollen.

eaten by

Virginia Opossum

Didelphis virginiana

Consumes the energy-rich fruits.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Be careful of the thorns when exploring; they can poke you!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is roundleaf greenbrier?

100-500 cm

How big are the flowers on roundleaf greenbrier?

0.2-0.4 cm

When does roundleaf greenbrier bloom?

Spring-early summer

Is roundleaf greenbrier edible?

Yes

Is roundleaf greenbrier toxic?

Mild

What is roundleaf greenbrier's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is roundleaf greenbrier pollinated?

Insect

Where is roundleaf greenbrier usually found?

Forests

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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