Carrion Flower (Smilax herbacea)

Family: Smilacaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Smilax herbacea is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from May to June. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Leaves, Shoots, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant flavour. — Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked and used like asparagus.; A delicate and palatable vegetable.; Fruit - raw or cooked and used in jellies etc.; It should only be used when fully ripe.

Habitat & North American Range

Open woodlands, meadows and rich alluvial thickets. Higher elevations in rich woods, alluvial thickets, and meadows, often in calcareous soils at elevations of 100--800 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)