Evergreen Oak
Smilax rotundifolia
Last reviewed: June 2026
Evergreen Oak (Smilax rotundifolia) 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 Evergreen Oak as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
120"–360" H × 24"–96" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Smilax rotundifolia is a native climbing vine with glossy, rounded leaves and small greenish flowers in late spring. This vigorous grower can quickly cover fences, trellises, or scramble through shrubs, providing year-round greenery in partially shaded areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Evergreen Oak 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.
- Aggressive spreader that can overwhelm other plants
- Thorny stems make maintenance difficult
- Wild, unstructured appearance looks unkempt
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles in May and June. Birds feed on the dark berries produced by female plants, and the dense foliage provides nesting sites and cover.
Common questions
- How much sun does Evergreen Oak need?
- Evergreen Oak grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Evergreen Oak bloom?
- Evergreen Oak blooms in May and June.
- Where is Evergreen Oak native?
- Evergreen Oak (Smilax rotundifolia) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Evergreen Oak toxic to dogs?
- Evergreen Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Evergreen Oak toxic to cats?
- Evergreen Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Evergreen Oak toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Evergreen Oak as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Evergreen Oak attract?
- Evergreen Oak draws bees and beetles.
- Is Evergreen Oak HOA-friendly?
- Evergreen Oak 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Evergreen Oak? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz