Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Smilacaceae

Genus:

Smilax

Species:

Smilax laurifolia

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Vine

Height:

12-20 ft

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jul, aug

Bloom Colors:

White, Green

Evergreen Shrub:

Yes

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

moist, acidic, nutrient-rich organic soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

commonly found in wetlands and swamps