Smilax glauca
Smilax glauca
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Pl. EDB0 — Smilax glauca
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IOverview
Overview
Smilax glauca, commonly known as catbrier or greenbrier, is a climbing shrub belonging to the family Liliaceae. Native to Brazil's North, Southeast, and West-Central regions, it has also naturalized in parts of Europe including Albania, Algeria, and some Mediterranean islands. This plant thrives in various soil types—light sandy, medium, or heavy clay—and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. Known for its edible leaves, roots, and shoots, S. glauca serves as a valuable food source while also being ornamental due to its climbing nature. Its distinctive feature includes thorny stems that aid in its climbing and support.
Quick answers
What is Smilax glauca?
Smilax glauca, commonly known as catbrier or greenbrier, is a climbing shrub belonging to the family Liliaceae. Native to Brazil's North, Southeast, and West-Central regions, it has also naturalized in parts of Europe including Albania, Algeria, and some Mediterranean islands.
What is Smilax glauca 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 glauca
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Smilax species have been traditionally used in herbal medicine for immune support, with preparations like decoctions or tinctures being common. This use is based on historical and traditional practices rather than extensive clinical trials.
The mechanism by which Smilax supports the immune system is not fully characterised but may involve compounds such as sarsasapogenin and diosgenin, which have been studied for their potential immunomodulatory effects.
- Smilax species are traditionally used in herbal medicine to support digestion, often prepared as a decoction or tea. This traditional use is based on historical practices and limited clinical evidence.
The mechanism by which Smilax supports digestive health is not fully characterised but may involve compounds such as saponins that have been studied for their potential to aid in digestion.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Smilax glauca thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist but well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 5 meters tall. For cultivation, ensure the plant receives adequate moisture; it performs best in dry conditions as well. Propagation can be done through root cuttings or by dividing established plants. The edible parts include leaves, roots, and shoots.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Mature size
5.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Smilax glauca for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance approach to growing Smilax glauca.
- 1
What you'll need
A small plant or seeds, potting soil, and a container.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil and ensure your container has drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant a small plant into your prepared container, or sow seeds 0.5 inches deep.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and provide partial shade to avoid sunburn.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and place in a sunny or partially shaded spot.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any dead or overgrown shoots to encourage new growth and maintain shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, and not providing enough support for climbing.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRootShoots
Edible uses: The leaves, roots, and shoots of Smilax glauca are edible. Typically, these parts can be prepared in various ways—raw or cooked. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
21 native · 5 introduced
Distribution
21 native · 5 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 21 native· 5 introduced
Europe10 regions
native (7)AlbaniaFranceGreeceItalyPortugalSpainSwitzerland
introduced (3)CyprusUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)Turkey
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaTunisia
Broader regions
native:Brazil North, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Kriti, Yugoslavia
introduced:New Zealand North, New Zealand South
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
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