How to identify Smooth Carrionflower (Smilax herbacea)

How to identify Smooth Carrionflower (Smilax herbacea)

Smooth Carrionflower, also known as Herbaceous Greenbriar

Smooth Carrionflower is a distinctive, dioecious climbing plant that is recognized for its lack of thorns and the smooth, hairless underside of its broad, heart-shaped leaves. Its stem can extend significantly, supporting clusters of berries. Perhaps most notable are its separate male and female flowers, which emit a strong, unpleasant odor akin to decaying organic matter. Smooth Carrionflower thrives in moist environments and varying soil conditions, with an affinity for moist, rich soils.

Lifespan: Perennial, Annual

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Semi-evergreen, Deciduous

Quickly Identify Smooth Carrionflower

Heart-shaped leaves with smooth, hairless undersides.

Separate male and female flowers with putrid odor.

Dark blue berries, nearly spherical and 0.5 inches (13 mm) in diameter.

Cylindrical stem, smooth, lightly speckled, up to 2 feet (60 cm) long.

Ovate-oval leaves, 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, with parallel veins.

Detailed Traits of Smooth Carrionflower

Leaf Features

The leaves of smooth Carrionflower are ovate-oval to broadly ovate-lanceolate in shape, measuring around 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length. The upper surfaces are medium green and smooth, while the lower surfaces are pale green. They feature smooth margins and exhibit a parallel-veined pattern. These characteristics make the leaves distinctive and easily identifiable.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Smooth Carrionflower flowers are organized in umbels, forming a globe-like cluster 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) across. These dioecious flowers are either staminate or pistillate. Staminate flowers measure 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) and feature 6 green to yellowish-green tepals and 6 stamens with white anthers. Pistillate flowers are similarly sized, with 6 green to yellowish-green tepals and a pistil with 3 flattened stigmata. Known for their putrid odor, they attract carrion flies. Blooming occurs from May to June in North Carolina.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of smooth Carrionflower is cylindrical and can range from light green to purple in color. It is smooth and slightly speckled, often exhibiting a glaucous (waxy) coating. The stems are typically strong and can reach lengths up to 2 feet (60 cm). They do not have significant branching patterns, maintaining a consistent diameter throughout, and the speckling adds to the distinctiveness of the plant's appearance, aiding in its identification.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of smooth Carrionflower presents as individual, nearly spherical dark blue berries. Each berry measures approximately 0.5 inches (about 13 mm) in diameter and typically houses 3 to 5 seeds. These pulpy berries bear a rich coloration that may stand out in their natural surroundings, often making them noticeable from August to October in regions like North Carolina. The fleshy texture of the berries, combined with their distinctive hue, makes them an identifiable feature of this plant species.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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