Search Fact Sheets Virginia Tech Dendrology

catbrier Smilacaceae Smilax glauca Walter Listen to the Latin Print a QR link to this factsheet symbol: SMGL
Leaf: Alternate, simple, parallel veined, oblong to narrowly cordate, 2 to 4 inches long, green or variegated with pale patches above, whitened beneath.
Flower: Small and greenish-yellow, in clusters appearing in late spring to early summer.
Fruit: Dark blue to nearly black berries covered with glaucous bloom, occur in clusters, 1/3 inch in diameter.
Twig: Slender, round, green and often covered with a white waxy bloom, prickles weak, tendrils present.
Bark: Greenish brown becoming discolored with age.
Form: A climbing vine.
 Looks like: saw greenbrier - laurel greenbrier - common greenbrier - bristly greenbrier

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Additional Range Information: Smilax glauca is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. Download the full-size PDF map.
More Information: Fall Color
External Links: USDA Plants Database
All material © 2021 Virginia Tech Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation; Photos and text by: John Seiler, Edward Jensen, Alex Niemiera, and John Peterson; Silvics reprinted from Ag Handbook 654; range map source information