Bristly Greenbrier
Smilax tamnoides
Last reviewed: August 2026
Bristly Greenbrier (Smilax tamnoides) 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 sun
Water
medium
Size
120"–360" H × 48"–240" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Bristly greenbrier is a vigorous native vine that can climb 10-30 feet tall using thorns and tendrils to attach to supports. This deciduous climber produces small greenish flowers in late spring and summer, followed by dark berries that persist into winter. The plant spreads aggressively and can form dense thickets if not managed.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bristly Greenbrier takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Sharp thorns create safety concerns
- Aggressive spreading habit difficult to control
- Can look wild and unkempt without constant pruning
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles during the growing season. Birds feed on the dark berries in fall and winter, while the dense growth provides nesting habitat and cover.
Common questions
- How much sun does Bristly Greenbrier need?
- Bristly Greenbrier grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Bristly Greenbrier bloom?
- Bristly Greenbrier blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Bristly Greenbrier native?
- Bristly Greenbrier (Smilax tamnoides) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Bristly Greenbrier toxic to dogs?
- Bristly Greenbrier is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Bristly Greenbrier toxic to cats?
- Bristly Greenbrier is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Bristly Greenbrier attract?
- Bristly Greenbrier draws bees and beetles.
- Is Bristly Greenbrier HOA-friendly?
- Bristly Greenbrier takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Bristly Greenbrier? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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