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) · the Madeira 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, protective hedges.
See which trees the common smilax grows well with
We have no trees recorded with this species yet. Start from the tree on your land.
No account needed.
Needs
- Water: Low
- Light: Partial shade
- Size: Spiny 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
Related plants
Other species in the same layer or with the same function.
See which trees the common smilax grows well with
We have no trees recorded with this species yet. Start from the tree on your land.
No account needed.
Not ready to map your land yet?
Get the free mini-guide to starting an edible forest.