Bristly Greenbrier (Smilax tamnoides)

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

Smilax tamnoides is a deciduous Climber. 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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Rich in starch, it can be dried and ground into a powder. — Rich in starch, it can be dried and ground into a powder.

Habitat & North American Range

Low woods and thickets, mainly on the coastal plain, in sandy or, less often, silty clay soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)