Common smilax

Smilax aspera

Layer 7 · Climbers
Edible companion

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

Native to the Mediterranean basin, it is a perennial woody climber equipped with tendrils and thorns. Its tender spring shoots are harvested and cooked in the same way as wild asparagus. It occupies the vertical climbing layer, creating dense and protective hedges.

See which trees common smilax grows well with

Pick the central tree on your land and see the full guild.

Fig tree

No account needed.

Needs

Water: Low
Light: Partial shade
Size: Thorny climber up to 3 m
Mature diameter: 1.5 m
Soils: Clay, Loam, Sandy, Limestone
Climates: Atlantic coast, Hot, dry Mediterranean

Calendar

January
February
March — Harvest — Planting
April — Harvest — Planting
May — Harvest
June
July
August
September
October — Planting
November — Planting
December

Harvest
Planting

Medicinal use: The root is traditionally used in decoctions and infusions with a depurative and diuretic action.

Where to buy

Grows well with

Central trees this plant has already been paired with.

Fig tree

May grow well with

Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.