Trinervula Greenbrier (Smilax trinervula)

Family: Smilacaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Smilax trinervula is a deciduous Perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from October to November. 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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young plants - cooked. Fruit - raw. The red berries are about 6mm in diameter. — Young plants - cooked.; The red berries are about 6mm in diameter.

Habitat & North American Range

Mountains, C. Japan. Forests and thickets at elevations of 400 - 1700 metres in Fujian, Guizhou, Hunan, Jiangxi and Zhejiang provinces. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)