Smilax herbacea
Also Known As
- SMOOTH CARRION FLOWER
Plant type
perennial, groundcover, vine
size
- H: 1'-8'
- W: 1'-8'
planting zones
- 4a-9b
Smilax herbacea plant details
Smilax herbacea is a broadleaf deciduous perennial groundcover vine with green foliage. In summer green and white flowers emerge. Attracts bees and birds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.
CHARACTERISTICS OF Smilax herbacea
- Plant type: perennial groundcover vine
- Plant family: smilacaceae
- Foliage: deciduous green
- Mature size: 1 FT - 8 FT - wide, 1 FT - 8 FT - tall
- Flowers: green and white blooms in summer
- Uses: edible
GROWING CONDITIONS for Smilax herbacea
- USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
- Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
- Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
- Resistant to: heat and humidity
- Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained
Nursery contributed plant descriptions
Smilax is a non-woody climbing vine native to the southeastern United States and Canada that can reach to 8' and will travel along the ground if not trellised. The leaves are generally broadly ovate-lanceolate in shape with tendrils to help the vine cling at the base of each petiole. Unusual greenish-white early-summer flowers smell like rotting flesh and are pollinated by flies. This vine is either male or female and to produce seed-bearing blue-black fruits, male and female plants need to both be present. An unusual edible, its leaves can be eaten raw added to salads or cooked similarly to asparagus or spinach. Roots were frequently boiled and eaten by the American Indians. Early American settlers made a type of root beer from the Smilax by fermenting its root pulp with molasses and corn. A wonderful and interesting vine! Ours are unsexed seedlings. PSh-M (moist)
By: Forestfarm
Gardening facts about Smilax herbacea plant
How to Grow Smilax herbacea
Sun Exposure
- sun - dappled shade
Water Needs
- even moisture - regular
Soil Needs
- clay
- adaptable
- average
- well-drained
- rich
- gritty
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- humidity tolerant
Features
Foliage Color
- green
Flower Color
- white
- green
Wildlife
- birds
- bees
Flower Season
- summer
Foliage Season
- deciduous
Landscape groups by tags
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