Cat Greenbrier

Smilax glauca

Physical Characteristics

Smilax glauca is an evergreen Climber growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in leaf all year, in flower in June. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

South-eastern N. America - New England to Florida, west to Texas and Indiana.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Shoots Edible Uses: Root - cooked[161, 257]. It can be boiled and made into a jelly or dried and ground into a powder then used with cereals when making bread etc[61, 105, 159]. Young shoots in spring - raw or cooked[159].

Medicinal Uses

Birthing aid Poultice Rubefacient The stem prickles have been rubbed on the skin as a counter-irritant to relieve localised pains, muscle cramps and twitching[222]. A tea made from the leaves and stems has been used in the treatment of rheumatism and stomach problems[222]. The wilted leaves are applied as a poultice to boils[222, 257]. A tea made from the roots is used to help the expelling of afterbirth[222]. Reports that the roots contain the hormone testosterone have not been confirmed, they might contain steroid precursors, however[222].

Known Hazards

None known