// SPECIES PROFILE · SHRUB · NATIVE

Bristly greenbriar

Smilax tamnoides

Bristly greenbriar (Smilax tamnoides) is a shrub in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11b. Mature size 10'–25'. Blooms May–Jun.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: shrub
Native range: Native to 32 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–11b
Mature size: 10'–25'
Sun: —
Water: —
Bloom: May–Jun
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Bristly greenbriar (Smilax tamnoides) — *Smilax tamnoides* — Bristly greenbriar. Photo by Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Bristly greenbriar (Smilax tamnoides) is a shrub in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11b. Mature size 10'–25'. Blooms May–Jun.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, bristly greenbriar pairs naturally with: False Indigo Bush (Amorpha fruticosa), Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra), Eastern Wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus), Great ragweed (Ambrosia trifida).