Smilax pumila
sarsparilla vine, wild sarsaparilla, dwarf smilax, dwarf greenbriar
Family
Smilacaceae
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Attachment
petiolate
Leaf Type
simple
Leaf Shape
elliptic, lanceolate, ovate
Growth Form
forb, shrub, vine
Flower Color
green, yellow
Flower Month
June, July, August, October, November
Height (meters)
0.5
Milky Sap
No
Armed/Unarmed
Unarmed
Origin
native
Lifespan
perennial
Leaf Retention
Evergreen
Wetland Class
UPL
Field Characters
In north Louisiana. Short, hairy leaves, shade tolerant, no thorns. Red fruit.
Animal Use
Fruits attract birds and mammals.
Habitat
Dryish, sandy woodlands and sandhills. In sandy soil and duff of pinelands, sand hills, along stream, oak woods and sparsely wooded slopes. Maritime forests.
Plant Uses
Roots are used to flavor rootbeer and other beverages. Rhizomes used to treat rheumatism.