What it is
Greenbrier (Smilax species) is in the Smilacaceae family. That thorny vine taking over the fence line is edible — the tender spring shoot tips taste like green beans.
How to grow it
It wants part shade, water it low to moderate, and give it tolerant soil. Target a soil pH around 5.5–7.0. Expect roughly Spring shoots. Native perennial vine.
How it's used
Greenbrier is used: young shoot tips (raw or cooked).
🔎 How to identify it
- Glossy heart-shaped leaves
- Thorny green stems
- Tendrils; blue-black berries
Edibility
PartsTender new shoots
UsesYoung shoot tips (raw or cooked)
CautionEat only the soft growing tips; old growth is woody.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.