How to identify Roundleaf greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia)

How to identify Roundleaf greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia)

Roundleaf greenbrier, also known as Common catbriar

Roundleaf greenbrier is a robust climber or sprawler, reaching up to 20 feet (6 meters). This plant boasts round-shaped leaves, which give it its distinctive identification feature. The woody vine can exhibit both deciduous and semi-evergreen characteristics depending on the environment. Its stems can form dense thickets, using nearby vegetation for support or covering the ground when lacking vertical structures. The plant's overall form contributes to its ability to adapt to a variety of woodland and open-field habitats with moist to dry soil conditions.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Vine

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Roundleaf greenbrier

Round-shaped leaves, 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long, with darker upper surfaces and lighter undersides.

Sharp 4-angled stem, 0.2 to 0.4 inches (0.5 to 1 cm) thick, covered in scattered stiff prickles.

Greenish-white flowers in umbels of 3-20, 1/4 inch (6 mm) long, with 6 yellowish-green tepals.

Blue-black berries, 0.3 inches (7-8 mm) in diameter, each containing 1-3 seeds.

Slender trunk reaching up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, with initially smooth bark transitioning to brown.

Detailed Traits of Roundleaf greenbrier

Leaf Features

The leaves of roundleaf greenbrier are rounded, glabrous, and alternate, measuring 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) in length. The upper surfaces are a darker green compared to the lighter undersides. Each leaf typically has 3 to 5 primary veins. Minute prickles may be present along the veins on the lower surface, adding a distinctive touch. These features are key in identifying the leaves of roundleaf greenbrier.

Leaf Shape

Ovate

Leaf Base

Cordate ,

Circular

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Texture

Coriaceous

Leaf Margin

Entire

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of roundleaf greenbrier are small, greenish-white, and form in umbels of 3-20 blooms. Each flower is about 1/4 inch (6 mm) long. They have 6 yellowish-green tepals joined at the base. Male flowers feature 6 stamens with white anthers, while female flowers possess a greenish pistil with 3 short stigmata. The flowers bloom during the late spring to early summer, releasing a subtle scent. The peduncle of each umbel measures approximately ?-?” (? mm).

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Stem Features

The stem of roundleaf greenbrier is sharply 4-angled, giving it a square-like appearance in cross-section. It is covered with many scattered, stiff prickles, providing a rough texture. The coloration is generally green but can vary to a reddish hue in older sections. Typically, the stem is slender, ranging from 0.2 to 0.4 inches (0.5 to 1 cm) in thickness. This plant climbs using tendrils that emerge from the leaf axils, helping it attach to surrounding vegetation.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of roundleaf greenbrier is distinguished by its blue-black hue and a delicate whitish bloom upon reaching maturity, giving it a slightly frosted appearance. These berries are typically round and measure about 0.3 inches (approximately 7-8 mm) in diameter. Each fruit encapsulates 1 to 3 seeds within its fleshy interior. The combination of their distinctive coloration and size makes them recognizable among other native berries.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Roundleaf greenbrier and Their Similar Plants

Saw greenbrier vs. Roundleaf greenbrier: What's The Difference?

Saw greenbrier (Smilax bona-nox) is a woody vine that wraps its tendrils around trees, shrubbery, and along the ground. The vine is native to North America and grows throughout the world. Saw greenbrier attracts wild turkeys, squirrels, and songbirds. This species can be differentiated from other similar plants by its leathery, triangular leaves.

Cat greenbrier vs. Roundleaf greenbrier: What's The Difference?

Cat greenbrier (Smilax glauca) is a woodland vine plant native to the central and eastern United States. It is resistant to fire because of the properties of its root structure.

Bristly greenbrier vs. Roundleaf greenbrier: What's The Difference?

Bristly greenbrier (Smilax tamnoides) is a deciduous climbing vine that grows in low woods thickets and coastal plains. Bristly greenbrier grows best in full sunlight and semi-shade. It blooms in clusters of greenish-brown flowers from spring to summer. The roots of this plant are edible when cooked dried or ground into powder.

Smooth Carrionflower vs. Roundleaf greenbrier: What's The Difference?

Smooth Carrionflower (Smilax herbacea) is a herbaceous perennial vine that can grow to be 2.5 m long. Smooth Carrionflower blooms in late spring and early summer. It produces clusters of fragrant, greenish-yellow flowers. The blossoms have a carrion-like scent. This species attracts pollinators and birds and small animals feed on its berries.

Laurel Greenbrier vs. Roundleaf greenbrier: What's The Difference?

Laurel Greenbrier (Smilax laurifolia) is an evergreen herbaceous vine with leathery leaves and thorny, twining stems that grows in dense thickets. It produces a blackish-blue fruit that has been used to dye fabrics and leather. It grows in partial shade or partial sun in moist soil. Laurel Greenbrier is considered a weed in much of the Southeastern United States.

Rough bindweed vs. Roundleaf greenbrier: What's The Difference?

Rough bindweed thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, displaying its resilience through the robust climbing vines it employs for sunlight access. Its heart-shaped leaves are glossy and provide a striking contrast to the small, inconspicuous flowers. Notably, this evergreen's woody underground rhizomes hint at its traditional use in herbal remedies.

Lanceleaf greenbrier vs. Roundleaf greenbrier: What's The Difference?

Smilax maritima is a North American species of plants native to the southeastern United States from Texas to North Carolina. It is a branching vine up to 1.5 m tall. Berries are black with a waxy coating.

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Key Facts About Roundleaf greenbrier

Attributes of Roundleaf greenbrier

Plant Type

Vine

Plant Height

61 cm to 91 cm

Spread

3.5 m to 6 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

Green

White

Gold

Fruit Color

Black

Blue

Stem Color

Green

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Scientific Classification of Roundleaf greenbrier

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Lilies, supplejacks and allies

Family

Greenbrier

Genus

Prickly-ivy

Species

Roundleaf greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia)

Learn More About the Roundleaf greenbrier

Distribution Map of Roundleaf greenbrier

Roundleaf greenbrier can be found growing densely in most forests across its native central and eastern North America. This plant grows aggressively and is listed as a weed on the United States WSSA composite list of weeds.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Roundleaf greenbrier

A Comprehensive Guide to Roundleaf greenbrier How to Grow and Care for Roundleaf greenbrier