Riparia Greenbrier (Smilax riparia)

Family: Smilacaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Smilax riparia is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen in October. 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, Berries, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young shoots and leaves - cooked. Fruit. No more details are given. The blue/black berries can be 9mm in diameter. — Young shoots and leaves - cooked.; No more details are given.; The blue/black berries can be 9mm in diameter.

Habitat & North American Range

Grows in all parts of Japan. Forests, thickets, grassy slopes, hillsides along valleys, from near sea level to 2100 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)