Lanceleaf smilax – Identification

Q: I am wondering what this vine is. Is it something that can be eaten or is it poison?

A: Plant identification expert Shannon Pable says it’s Smilax smallii. Lanceleaf greenbriar or bamboo vine are its common names.
Unlike the thorny vines of common smilax (catbriar, blaspheme vine) the stem of lanceleaf greenbriar is almost thornless. It can be used as an ornamental vine on an arbor, sporting glossy black berries in winter.

One source says the roots were eaten by Native Americans and that the young shoots can be harvested and steamed.

Lanceleaf greenbrier

Smilax smallii

lanceleaf smilax

lanceleaf smilax

lanceleaf smilax

lanceleaf smilax

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