Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Smilacaceae

Genus:

Smilax

Species:

Smilax bona-nox

USDA Symbol:

SMRE

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Vine

Height:

900 cm

Light Requirements:

Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

green, yellow

Reported Fauna Sightings

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from extensive rhizome system following fire. Common in fire-maintained pine woodlands and savannas.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 60–90 days

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

30–365 days

Notes:

Germination is often erratic and may take over a year. Seeds have hard coats requiring scarification and double dormancy.