Smilax sp.
Greenbrier, Greenbrier
(c) Neptalí Ramírez Marcial, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Neptalí Ramírez Marcial · licence
Family: Smilacaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Smilax sp. (Greenbrier) is a native California perennial in the Smilacaceae family.
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 sp. native to California?
Yes. Smilax sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Smilax sp. belong to?
Smilax sp. is in the Smilacaceae family, genus Smilax.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.