L.
Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.155658
Element CodePMSMI010Q0
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicoccurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassMonocotyledoneae
OrderLiliales
FamilySmilacaceae
GenusSmilax
SynonymsSmilax hispidaMuhl. ex Torr.
Other Common Namesbristly greenbrier (EN) Bristly Greenbrier (EN) Chinaroot (EN) Smilax hispide (FR)
Concept ReferenceKartesz, J.T. 1994. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. 2nd edition. 2 vols. Timber Press, Portland, OR.
Taxonomic CommentsKartesz (1994, 1999) and Flora of North America Editorial Committee (2000) do not recognize infrataxa in Smilax tamnoides.
Conservation Status
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2025-01-10
Change Date1986-04-08
Edition Date2025-01-10
Edition AuthorsN. Ventrella (2025)
Threat ImpactUnknown
Range Extent>2,500,000 square km (greater than 1,000,000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences> 300
Rank ReasonsThis taxon is a perennial herb or vine occurring in woods, thickets, and bottomlands of North America from South Dakota and Ontario east to Massachusetts, south to Florida, and west to Texas in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. There are over 4,000 estimated occurrences rangewide, which are potentially threatened by development, road maintenance, invasive species, and other threats in some places. Little is known about threats and trends, but with a large range extent, high number of occurrences, abundant habitat, broad habitat preferences, and no obvious intrinsic vulnerabilities, this species is considered secure.
Range Extent CommentsThis taxon occurs in eastern North America from South Dakota and Ontario east to Massachusetts, south to Florida, and west to Texas in the United States and Canada (FNA 2002). It also occurs in Mexico (POWO 2025). Range extent was estimated using herbarium specimens and photo-based observations documented between 1994 and 2025 (GBIF 2025, iNaturalist 2025, SEINet 2025).
Occurrences CommentsBy applying a 1 km separation distance to herbarium specimens and photo-based observations documented between 1994 and 2025, it is estimated that there are more than 4,000 occurrences rangewide (GBIF 2025, iNaturalist 2025, SEINet 2025).
Threat Impact CommentsAlthough threats are not widely documented, this taxon is potentially threatened by development, road maintenance, invasive species, and other threats in some places. However, their overall impact is likely negligible given the species' broad range, large number of occurrences, tolerance of light disturbance, and affinity for typically abundant habitats, as well as no obvious intrinsic vulnerabilities.