Greenbrier

Smilax spp. — Smilacaceae

Italiano: Smilax — Greenbrier

Description

Greenbrier (Smilax spp.) belongs to the Smilacaceae family and is native to NAmerica. It thrives in Woodlands, Hedgerows, Fencerows environments across regions including Southeast USA, All warm USA. Botanically, Greenbrier is young shoots asparagus substitute. Berries edible. Thorny vine.. It is also known locally as Greenbrier. The edible parts include Shoots, Berries. With an edibility rating of 6/10, it ranks as a good wild food source. Harvesting is best done during April, March, October and September. Nutritionally, Greenbrier stands out for its Vitamin K (20.0mg, 17% DV), Vitamin C (10.0mg, 11% DV) and Vitamin A (30.0mg, 3% DV). It also provides 1.5g protein and 1.5g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Greenbrier offers a Asparagus-like flavor profile. Shoots cooked berries raw. Common culinary applications include cooked shoots, raw berries. Popular preparations include Greenbrier shoots, Fresh berry compote, Wild berry jam, Berry syrup for pancakes. For storage, fresh 3d. Safety note: No toxicity. Antinutrient content is no antinutrients. Safe lookalike species include Asparagus. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

🌿 Foraging Tips

Where to find: Grows in Woodlands, Hedgerows, Fencerows across Southeast USA, All warm USA.

🍳 Recipe: Greenbrier shoots

Preparation method: Shoots cooked berries raw
Flavor profile: Asparagus-like
Edible parts: Shoots, Berries

This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.

When to harvest: Best months: Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct.
Lookalike (safe): Asparagus
⚠️ Lookalike (toxic): No poisonous thorny vine
Tip: Always verify identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Edibility

6/10
Toxicity: No toxicity
Antinutrients: No antinutrients
Safe lookalikes: Asparagus
Dangerous: No poisonous thorny vine

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Shoots, Berries
Preparation: Shoots cooked berries raw
Flavor: Asparagus-like

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 1.5g
Fat: 0.2g
Fiber: 1.5g
Vitamin C: 10.0mg (11%DV)
Vitamin A: 30mcg (3%DV)
Vitamin E: 0.3mg (2%DV)
Vitamin K: 20mcg (16%DV)
Folate (B9): 5mcg (1%DV)
Calcium: 20.0mg (1%DV)
Iron: 0.5mg (2%DV)
Magnesium: 12mg (2%DV)
Potassium: 100mg (2%DV)
Zinc: 0.3mg (2%DV)

Culinary Uses: cooked shoots, raw berries Storage: Fresh 3d

Recipes

  • Greenbrier shoots
  • Fresh berry compote
  • Wild berry jam
  • Berry syrup for pancakes
  • Wild Greenbrier salad
  • Foraged Greenbrier pesto
  • Roasted Greenbrier

Where It Grows

Continent: NAmerica
Regions: Southeast USA, All warm USA
Habitat: Woodlands, Hedgerows, Fencerows
⚠️
Important: Always verify plant identification before consumption. This content is for informational purposes only. Consult reliable sources and experts before eating any wild plant. Improper identification can be dangerous.

Related Plants

🌿 American Bladdernut🌿 Black-eyed Susan🌿 Bunchberry

Sources & References

Kew Plants of the World USDA PLANTS Wikipedia (EN)