vineN. America Native

Saw greenbrier

Smilax bona-nox

The Story

Plant Bio

Smilax bona-nox, commonly known as saw greenbrier, is a vigorous, woody perennial vine native to the southern and eastern United States. It climbs or scrambles using tendrils borne on leaf petioles, developing four-ridged stems armed with stiff, sharp prickles on the lower sections.

The leathery, semi-evergreen foliage varies from heart-shaped to fiddle-shaped, often featuring distinctive white mottling and spine-like projections along the margins and midveins. As a dioecious species, only female plants produce the clusters of small, green flowers that mature into ornamental black winter berries.

Uses & Benefits:

Features leathery, semi-evergreen leaves with white mottling and clusters of dark black berries on female plants.

Forms an impenetrable barrier or security screen due to its dense growth habit and sharp prickles.

Provides dense nesting cover for birds and small mammals, while the berries serve as an important winter food source for wildlife.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

180"

Width

120"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low to high

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Early summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun to deep shade and any well-drained or periodically wet soil.
Install a sturdy trellis, fence, or allow the vine to scramble over a natural woodland edge.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Wear heavy leather gloves when handling the stems to protect skin from the sharp prickles.

Pro Tip

Eradicating established plants requires complete excavation of the deep, knotty underground woody rhizomes, as simple surface pulling or cutting will trigger rapid resprouting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Wear thick leather gloves and protective clothing whenever handling or pruning this vine.
Prune in late winter to control the spread and remove dead wood.
Use a sturdy, durable support structure that can withstand the weight of a mature woody vine.

Don't

Do not apply supplemental fertilizer, as this accelerates its already aggressive growth rate.
Do not plant near high-traffic pathways or play areas where the sharp prickles can cause injury.
Do not rely on simple surface pulling to eradicate the plant, as it will resprout from the underground rhizomes.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Wildlife barrierNaturalized woodland edgeErosion control on slopesSecurity screen

Companion Plants

Lonicera sempervirens Parthenocissus quinquefolia Juniperus virginiana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Saw greenbrier questions

What zones can Saw greenbrier grow in?

Saw greenbrier is hardy in USDA Zones 5–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Saw greenbrier deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Saw greenbrier, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Saw greenbrier bloom?

Saw greenbrier typically blooms in spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Saw greenbrier need full sun?

Saw greenbrier does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Saw greenbrier drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Saw greenbrier handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.