Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

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

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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