roundleaf greenbriar
Family
SmilacaceaeScientific Name
Smilax rotundifolia
Other Common Names:
horsebriar
common catbriar
common greenbriar
bullbriar
Habit
Roundleaf greenbriar is a perennial weed. Its seedlings emerge from spring through midsummer. It flowers from April until August and it's fruit matures in September. It is found throughout the eastern and midwestern United States, most commonly on roadsides and edges of moist woody areas.
Leaves
Leaves of roundleaf greenbriar are alternate in arrangement. They are entire, or untoothed, and heart to round in shape. Leaves are green and have veins that run the length of them. They are 5-13 cm in length
Identifying Characteristics
Special characteristics of roundleaf greenbriar include sharp prickles on the stem. They also have tendrils attached at the petiole which aide in it's vinelike qualities. Its leaf is entire, meaning it is untoothed.
Flower Seed Head
The Flowers of roundleaf greenbriar are greenish and small. They flower from April through August.
Seed Fruit
Seeds of roundleaf greenbriar are small round to oblong and brown. They are approximately 5.5 mm in diameter on average. They are often spread by birds and begin growth in late spring through mid summer. The fruit is berry-like and blueish black at maturity, which occurs in September.
Where Found
Roundleaf greenbriar is found throughout the eastern and midwestern United States. It is most often found on the edges of swampy woods but can also be found in drier upland areas.
Growth Habit
Varies:
vine,
woody bush or tree
Thorns or Spines
present
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
yellow,
green
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
no hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
round,
heart
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
shorter than leaf
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Vine