Smilax china
Smilax china
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Pl. A570 — Smilax china
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IOverview
Overview
Smilax china, commonly known as Chinese greenbrier or lacquerbush, is a deciduous vine native to the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. This plant thrives in moist, light to medium soil types and can grow up to 4.5 meters tall. It is known for its edible parts, which include the fruit, leaves, roots, and shoots. Smilax china prefers full or partial sun and can be found in a variety of habitats within its native range. Its distinctive features include its climbing habit and light green, compound leaves.
Quick answers
What is Smilax china?
Smilax china, commonly known as Chinese greenbrier or lacquerbush, is a deciduous vine native to the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
What is Smilax china used for?
Traditionally used for immune support, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Smilax china
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Smilax species have been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support immune function, often prepared as a decoction. This preparation may help maintain overall health and resilience against common ailments.
The mechanism by which Smilax supports the immune system is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that modulate inflammatory responses or enhance immune cell activity.
- Smilax species are traditionally used in herbal medicine to aid digestion, often prepared as a tea or decoction. This preparation may help alleviate digestive discomfort and support gastrointestinal health.
The mechanism by which Smilax aids digestion is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that have carminative or anti-inflammatory effects on the gut.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Smilax china thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in hardiness zones 5-9 and can reach heights of up to 4.5 meters. The plant is native to several southeastern states including Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. For propagation, gardeners may use root, shoot, or leaf cuttings. Fruit, leaves, roots, and shoots are all edible parts of the plant.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Mature size
4.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Smilax china for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple planting of Smilax china to observe its growth and adaptability.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Smilax china plant, well-draining soil, and a container or garden spot that receives partial sun.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the threat of frost has passed.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy with good drainage. For containers, use a potting mix suitable for shrubs.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants directly into the garden or a large container filled with prepared soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for any signs of stress or pests.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape and health.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the plant in late winter to encourage new growth and maintain size. Harvest leaves and shoots for culinary use as needed.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeavesRootShoots
Edible uses: Rutin, Tea
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
14 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
14 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 14 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Brazil Southeast
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · a570384c-6344-4e8f-abfe-9335372dbfea
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