Smooth Carrionflower
Smilax herbacea
- Native to:
- Canada, United States, Virgin Islands
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. Vol. 1: 527.
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Smilacaceae
- Genus:
- Smilax
- Species:
- Smilax herbacea
- USDA Symbol:
- SMHE
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Vine
- Height:
- 250 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- greenish-white
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
inimical borer moth (Pseudogalleria inimicella), leaf tier moth (Acrolepiopsis incertella), meadow rue borer (Papaipema unimoda)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- yellow
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers forested or woodland areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification; germination may be slow and erratic.