Tough wiry woody vine. Stems usually round in cross-section and usually with numerous tendrils. Prickles stiff and flattened. Leaves narrowly ovate to round or reniform, with rounded or cordate bases, 4.5 -10 cm (1.8-4 in) long, shiny green and glabrous on both surfaces. Flowers numerous, small, greenish, blooming in Spring. Fruits blue-black, glaucous, usually 2-seeded, ripening in Fall.
Distribution: Native to most of the eastern U. S. and the southeastern border of Canada.
Habitat: Thickets, woods, old fields, fencerows.
NWI status: FAC
Comment: Smilax is an ancient Greek name for an evergreen oak; rotundifolia refers to the leaves, which are sometimes round.
Distribution in Oklahoma: 
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Last update: 9/20/99
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