Smilax rotundifolia / Roundleaf greenbrier

For all greenbriers, see Smilax spp. / Greenbrier

Smilax rotundifolia L.

Roundleaf greenbrier, bullbrier

Cherokee: aniskiná unɑnesadɑ́ – “for the leg” (Blake 1953:18)

Location in Texas: E & C TX; common in Travis Co.

Form: vine, semi-woody / herbaceous; perennial.

Food

Root – starch from tuberous rootstocks used for soup and bread by the Kiowa (Vestal and Schultes 1939).

Medicine

Stems & roots – combined with the stems and roots of Smilax herbacea [not in TX], a decoction was drunk by the Cherokee for various types of gastrointestinal problems (Blake 1953:17-18).

Experimentation

The growing young tips are one of my favorite wild greens. They can commonly be found and have an excellent taste and texture. They also appear to be a favorite of deer and destroying the growing tip limits the growth potential of the vine, so I try to forage responsibly, despite this vine being common in my area.

I have tried digging up the roots for food a few times, but they always seem to be too hard and fibrous to be worth my effort. Perhaps in deeper, softer soil, they produce roots better for eating.