Smilax tamnoides aka Bristly Greenbrier

Taxonomy

Smilax tamnoides, also known as bristly greenbrier, is a North American species of climbing, prickly vine that is native to the United States and Canada. It can be found from Ontario and New York State all the way down to Texas and Florida. While it has been referred to as Smilax hispida in some publications, the older name of Smilax tamnoides is the preferred name due to botanical rules of priority. The plant uses tendrils to climb over shrubs or the lower branches of trees, and both male and female plants must be grown to produce seed as it is a dioecious species. The flowers of Smilax tamnoides are small and green to brown, and can be found in umbels. The fruits of the plant are blue to black, but do not have the waxy coating typically found on other species of the genus.

Common names

Bristly Greenbrier, Hellfetter, Chinaroot

How to care for Bristly Greenbrier

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Bristly Greenbrier, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Bristly Greenbrier should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

If you're planting Bristly Greenbrier, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Bristly Greenbrier is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Bristly Greenbrier will thrive!

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Bristly Greenbrier prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Bristly Greenbrier has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Bristly Greenbrier’s native range is Eastern N. America - Florida to Vancouver.


More info:
Wikipedia