When does Blue Ridge Carrionflower bloom?

It typically flowers in May and June, producing small rounded clusters of greenish blossoms along the vine.

What pollinates Smilax lasioneura?

The flowers give off a faint carrion-like odor that draws flies and beetles, which serve as its main pollinators.

How much light does this vine need?

It grows best in part shade but can also handle part sun or deeper shade along woodland edges and thickets.

How much water does Blue Ridge Carrionflower require?

It prefers medium soil moisture but can tolerate drier conditions once it is established.

What is the growth habit of this plant?

It is a herbaceous, deciduous vine that climbs with tendrils, scrambling over shrubs and fences in open woods and thickets.

Is Blue Ridge Carrionflower HOA-friendly?

Blue Ridge Carrionflower takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Blue Ridge Carrionflower

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Smilax lasioneura

Last reviewed: September 2026

Smilax lasioneura is a climbing, deciduous vine that blooms in May and June, favoring part shade and medium moisture in woodland edges and thickets across much of the central and eastern United States.

Blue Ridge Carrionflower (Smilax lasioneura) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

60"–180" H × 24"–120" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, CO, FL and 23 more states

Pollinators

flies, beetles

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Blue ridge carrionflower is a climbing vine that grows 5-15 feet tall with heart-shaped leaves and clusters of small greenish flowers in late spring. This native vine dies back to the ground each winter and regrows from its root system. It produces dark blue berries in late summer that are valuable food for birds.

Growing Blue Ridge Carrionflower

Grow Blue Ridge Carrionflower in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 60 to 180 inches tall and spread 24 to 120 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Blue Ridge Carrionflower takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Looks completely dead and messy in winter
Can appear wild and uncontrolled during growing season
May be confused with invasive vines by HOA boards

Wildlife value

The flowers attract flies and beetles for pollination, while the berries provide important food for songbirds. The dense foliage offers nesting sites and cover for small birds.

Common questions

When does Blue Ridge Carrionflower bloom?: It typically flowers in May and June, producing small rounded clusters of greenish blossoms along the vine.
What pollinates Smilax lasioneura?: The flowers give off a faint carrion-like odor that draws flies and beetles, which serve as its main pollinators.
How much light does this vine need?: It grows best in part shade but can also handle part sun or deeper shade along woodland edges and thickets.
How much water does Blue Ridge Carrionflower require?: It prefers medium soil moisture but can tolerate drier conditions once it is established.
What is the growth habit of this plant?: It is a herbaceous, deciduous vine that climbs with tendrils, scrambling over shrubs and fences in open woods and thickets.
Is Blue Ridge Carrionflower toxic to dogs?: Blue Ridge Carrionflower is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Blue Ridge Carrionflower toxic to cats?: Blue Ridge Carrionflower is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Blue Ridge Carrionflower HOA-friendly?: Blue Ridge Carrionflower takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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