How much sun does Coral Greenbrier need?

Coral Greenbrier grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Coral Greenbrier bloom?

Coral Greenbrier blooms in April and May.

Where is Coral Greenbrier native?

Coral Greenbrier (Smilax walteri) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 9 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Coral Greenbrier toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Coral Greenbrier as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Coral Greenbrier attract?

Coral Greenbrier draws bees and beetles.

Is Coral Greenbrier HOA-friendly?

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

Coral Greenbrier

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Smilax walteri

Last reviewed: August 2026

Coral Greenbrier (Smilax walteri) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Coral Greenbrier as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

36"–240" H × 24"–120" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 9 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.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain

Coral greenbrier is a native vine that can climb 3-20 feet on fences, trellises, or other support structures. It produces small white flowers in spring and distinctive coral-red berries in fall, with heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow before dropping in winter.

In an HOA neighborhood

Coral Greenbrier 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.

Has thorns that can be problematic near walkways
Can spread aggressively and look uncontrolled
Dormant winter appearance may look unkempt to neighbors

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract bees and beetles, while the bright red berries are eaten by songbirds and game birds. This vine provides nesting sites and cover for small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Coral Greenbrier need?: Coral Greenbrier grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Coral Greenbrier bloom?: Coral Greenbrier blooms in April and May.
Where is Coral Greenbrier native?: Coral Greenbrier (Smilax walteri) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 9 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Coral Greenbrier toxic to dogs?: Coral Greenbrier is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Coral Greenbrier toxic to cats?: Coral Greenbrier is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Coral Greenbrier toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Coral Greenbrier as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Coral Greenbrier attract?: Coral Greenbrier draws bees and beetles.
Is Coral Greenbrier HOA-friendly?: Coral 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 Coral Greenbrier? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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