SMY-laks muh-RIT-tim-muh Description A perennial woody native evergreen vine in the green briar family. It twines and climbs by tendrils. It is not as aggressive, as prickly, or as high a climber as other members of its genus. Shiny evergreen foliage is used by florists in floral arrangements.

Smilax is an extremely vigorous plant with pinkish bamboo-like vines bearing small thorns. Leaves vary by species and may be lance, heart shaped or oblong, shiny, and leathery. It has thick knobby, white roots and bears tiny insignificant flowers.

The lanceleaf greenbrier or bamboo vine (Smilax smallii) is practically thornless and makes a very attractive climbing vine for training on trellises. The leaves are shiny green, and the vines will grow to approximately 8 feet high. Its fruit are initially a dull brick red but eventually turns reddish-brown at maturity.

Smilax ornata is a perennial trailing vine with prickly stems that is native to Mexico and Central America. Common names include sarsaparilla, Honduran sarsaparilla, and Jamaican sarsaparilla.

Jackson vine, Smilax smallii, is the only species recommended for homeowners to use ornamentally in the landscape. The vines have thorns located at the base, are mostly evergreen or semi-evergreen, and can grow over 30 feet. Generally, plants produce small clusters of black, grape-like berries, but a few species have red berries.