Sarsaparilla vine
Smilax pumila
Smilacaceae


Landscape Uses:

Low-growing vine can be used as a small groundcover.

Ecological Restoration Notes:

Availability:
Rarely grown by native plant nurseries.
Description:
Low-growing, trailing wood vine with glossy leaves and bright red berries.
Height:
Typically 6-18 inches in height.
Growth Rate:
Range:
Southern United States south to Sarasota, De Soto, Highlands, and Brevard counties.
Habitats:
Mesic to xeric hammocks.
Soils:
Moist to dry, well-drained sandy or limestone soils, with humusy top layer.
Nutritional Requirements:
Moderate; can grow in nutrient poor soils, but needs some organic content to thrive.
Salt Water Tolerance:
Low; does not tolerate long-term flooding by salt or brackish water.
Salt Wind Tolerance:
Low; salt wind may burn the leaves.
Drought Tolerance:
Moderate to high; plants growing in extremely dry soils may die during extended periods of drought.
Light Requirements:
Light shade.
Flower Color:
Yellowish green.
Flower Characteristics:
Inconspicuous.
Flowering Season:
Summer.
Fruit:
Red to orange berries.
Wildlife and Ecology:
Provides food for wildlife.
Horticultural Notes:
Comments:
We have been adding data for this species for central and northern Florida and welcome any feedback or review. If you would like to contribute information or images, please contact George Gann via the IRC staff page.