Smilax californica
California greenbriar
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Family: Smilacaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Smilax californica (California greenbriar) is a native California shrub in the Smilacaceae family, recognized by . Key differences: elevation range, leaf underside not glaucous, shorter drooping inflorescences.
California greenbriar is a native perennial vine found in northwestern California, the northern Sierra Nevada foothills, and northern Sierra Nevada forests, growing along streambanks in conifer forest at elevations below 1,600 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces small greenish flowers in drooping clusters with linear perianth parts. Growing as a vine 2 to 5 meters long with a short, knotty woody stem and no central pith, it has a distinctively woody climbing structure. Its leaves are dull green, 5 to 10 centimeters long, ovate with an acuminate tip and a slightly heart-shaped base. The plant produces black fruits approximately 6 millimeters in size, containing three seeds.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species. Key differences: elevation range, leaf underside not glaucous, shorter drooping inflorescences
Habitat and range
Habitat: Streambanks in conifer forest
Elevation: < 1600 m
California counties: Butte, Shasta, Siskiyou, Trinity, Tehama, Nevada, Humboldt, Napa, Del Norte
Outside California: southwestern Oregon
Bloom period
Smilax californica blooms May-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Lonicera: Smilax has tendrils and umbel flower clusters; Lonicera lacks tendrils and has tubular paired flowers.; vs Aristolochia: Smilax has 6-part regular flowers and tendrils; Aristolochia has irregular pipe-shaped flowers without tendrils.; vs Humulus: Smilax has tendrils and small 6-part flowers; Humulus lacks tendrils and has cone-like hop fruits.; vs Vitis: Smilax has multiple tendrils at leaf base with umbel clusters; Vitis has single tendrils opposite leaves with branched clusters.
Frequently asked questions
Is Smilax californica native to California?
Yes. Smilax californica is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Smilax californica bloom?
Smilax californica blooms May-Jun.
Where in California does Smilax californica grow?
Smilax californica occurs in Butte, Shasta, Siskiyou, Trinity, Tehama, Nevada, Humboldt, Napa and other counties, at elevations of < 1600 m.
What plant family does Smilax californica belong to?
Smilax californica is in the Smilacaceae family, genus Smilax.
What habitat does Smilax californica grow in?
Smilax californica grows in Streambanks in conifer forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.