Smilax pulverulenta Michx.

Carrion Flower

© DETenaglia

Family - Smilacaceae

Stems - No info. yet.

	Tendril of stem.
© DETenaglia

Leaves - No info. yet.

© DETenaglia

Inflorescence - No info. yet.

Flowers - No info. yet.

	Developing fruits.
© DETenaglia

Flowering - April - May.

Habitat - Mesic forests, rocky streambanks.

Origin - Native to the U.S.

Other info. - This vining species can be found in the southern half of Missouri. There are 8 species of Smilax in Missouri. Some of them can be difficult to distinguish from one another. The 4 spiny, semi-woody plants are easy to identify. S. pulverulenta belongs to the non-spiny group of the genus that can be difficult to ID at times. Mature, fruiting specimens are typically necessary for a proper identification. The fruits of S. pulverulenta are black and not glaucous at maturity. The plant also has shiny green leaves which are NOT pale and whitened abaxially.

Photographs taken in the Ozark Scenic Riverways, Carter County, MO., 7-1-03.