Smilax laurifolia aka Bamboovine

Smilax laurifolia, or laurel greenbrier, is an evergreen woody vine. It comes from the Gulf and southeast Atlantic coastal plains. Its native range also includes the Bahamas and Cuba. In the United States, it reaches from New Jersey to Florida. It extends west to eastern Texas, Arkansas, and eastern Tennessee. It grows in bogs, swamps, damp woods, and low sandy ground.

The vine climbs with tendrils and also twines around supports. Its arching stems form dense clumps and tangled thickets. Growth proceeds at a medium rate. Young stems are green and turn reddish brown with age. They may be round or slightly angled. Older stems bear sharp spines that make handling difficult. The underground tubers reach 1–2 feet [0.3–0.6 metres] long. Thick, glossy leaves stay green through the year. They grow in an alternate pattern and have smooth edges. Their shapes range from oval to narrow and oblong. Many stand upright, with a clear midvein beneath.

Small yellow-green flowers form rounded umbels in late summer. Each plant bears either male or female flowers. Both sexes must grow together to produce fruit and seed. The berries turn from dark red to black. They mature in fall, taking two growing seasons to ripen. Bees and butterflies visit the plant. Songbirds, grouse, turkeys, quail, and black bears eat its fruit. Dense growth gives birds shelter and places to nest. Deer browse its leaves and twigs in winter.

Grow this vine in full sun or partial shade. It accepts clay, loam, and sand across a broad pH range. It suits moist sites and tolerates wet soil and brief flooding. It also copes with spells of dry soil. Its listed USDA hardiness range is zones 7–10. British winters limit its use outdoors. In southwest England, a wall offers a better growing site. The vine can screen views or cover a fence or trellis. Cut foliage adds greenery to flower arrangements. Its high fire risk makes it unsuitable near homes.

Cooked roots provide starch for flour, bread, and soups. Cooked young shoots serve as an asparagus substitute. Sources also list the leaves as edible. Traditional medicine has used several parts for pain and skin complaints. These records do not establish that such treatments work. ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Its thorns remain a physical hazard despite that safety listing.