Etymology: Smilax: Greek for "clasping"
Plants: mostly erect, herbaceous perennial, 1'-3' tall forb, none to a few tendrils; no prickles, unbranched
Leaves: less than 20, usually 7-9 and crowding the upper 2/3 of the stem; widely oval, rounding to a short point, heart-shaped base; parallel veins, underside finely hairy, stalks shorter than the leaf blade
Flowers: green to yellowish, 6-parted; inflorescence 1-3 ball-like, stalked umbels with less than 25 flowers and found below the main leaves; blooms May-June
Fruits: dark blue berries in round clusters
Habitat: woods; in rich soil
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 5 USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos