Smilax lanceolata L.

Tender, tuberous rooted, evergreen climber with recurved prickles at base of stem, lance-shaped leaves, to 10cm long, and numerous whitish flowers in axillary umbels followed by dark red fruit.  To 10m or more.  [RHSD, Hortus].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘Carolinian and Louisianian areas. Southern Virginia, North Carolina to Florida, west to eastern Texas. Alabama: Central Prairie region to Coast plain. Rich borders of woods and shaded swamps. Pike County, Troy. Montgomery and Mobile counties. Flowers, May, June; fruit matures the second year in the fall; red. An elegant evergreen vine with many long slender branches. Much used for decorations in winter.’ [Contributions from the United States National Herbarium vol.6, p.446].

History at Camden Park

A handwritten note in an 1850 catalogue held in the Mitchell Library is the only reference [MP A2947A].  Almost certainly grown in the gardens at this time.

Notes

  • Smilax lanceolata Burm.f. (1768) = Smilax glabra Roxb.
  • Smilax lanceolata Engelm. ex A.DC. (1878) = Smilax rotundifolia L.
  • Smilax lanceolata Ruiz ex A.DC. (1878 = Smilax insignis Kunth

Published Mar 25, 2009 - 05:29 PM | Last updated Mar 29, 2010 - 01:54 PM

More details about Smilax lanceolata L.
Family Smilacaceae
Category
Region of origin

South East USA
Synonyms
  • Smilax ovata Pursh
Common Name

Greenbriar, Jackson vine
Name in the Camden Park Record

Smilax lanceolatum 
Confidence level medium