Lanceleaf Greenbriar: Thornless Vine with Edible Shoots

A reader asked about a vine with glossy black winter berries, wondering if it was edible or poisonous. Plant identification expert Shannon Pable identified it as Smilax smallii, commonly called lanceleaf greenbriar or bamboo vine. Unlike the thorny common smilax (catbriar), this species has nearly thornless stems, making it an attractive ornamental for arbors.

Historically, Native Americans ate the roots, and the young shoots can be harvested and steamed like asparagus. The vine adds winter interest with its shiny black berries and glossy foliage.

Lanceleaf greenbrier
Smilax smallii

lanceleaf smilax

lanceleaf smilax