River Trail Stop 8

Smilax vines can be found all over the island - watch our for the prickles!

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Stop #8: Smilax (Smilax sp.) Look above the shrubs to find this vine. You can also see the smilax growing on the west side of the trail on top of Red Bay and up from the ground. It may be hard to identify in the winter months, as some species are deciduous. Smilax is a genus that encompasses many species of woody vines. The common name of these vines, such as catbrier, greenbrier, and deer thorns, all indicate the thorny nature of the vine. The spikes are not actually thorns but are termed prickles. Prickles are projections of the plant’s skin, while thorns are modified branches. These prickles help protect the plant from predation. Smilax grows well in a variety of habitats, such as dunes or under the canopy of the Maritime forest.  Young new growth and tendrils from the vine were nibbled as a fresh green. Smilax grows a large tuber that allows the plant to sprout back quickly after a fire or other disturbance. These tubers were gathered, soaked, and mashed to separate the starches, which were used to make bread.