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, 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 × 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.
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.
Does Evergreen Oak fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.