Chicken Wire Plant
Smilax biflora var. biflora
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
This curious little Smilax is one of the quieter treasures in the Woodlanders catalog, a deciduous groundcover built of fine, twiggy, interlacing stems and small leaves, so densely and geometrically branched that the plant earned the house name Chicken Wire Plant. A member of the greenbrier family, Smilacaceae, this dwarf relative of the climbing greenbriers trades the usual vining habit for a low, intricate, shrubby tangle.
The plant carries a small tale of mistaken identity. Woodlanders obtained the stock years ago from Brookside Gardens in Maryland, where it had come in as Smilax fragrans, and the nursery offered the plant under that name for years. Only later did the noted French plantsman Olivier Colin identify the plant correctly as Smilax biflora var. biflora, apparently native to China, and set the record straight.
Grown for texture rather than flower, Chicken Wire Plant makes a most interesting groundcover for shade or semi-shade, the fine lattice of stems catching light and casting a delicate shadow unlike anything else in the shade border. Small, inconspicuous flowers give way to the occasional berry, but the intricate branching is the whole point, an architectural filigree at ground level that rewards a close look.
Use the Chicken Wire Plant as a conversation-piece groundcover at the front of a shaded bed, along a woodland path, or among ferns, hostas, and other shade companions that set off the fine, twiggy texture. Give part to full shade and a moist but well-drained soil, and let this rare and unusual Smilax knit slowly into a low, lacy mat where a knowing eye will find the joke in the name.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 7–9
- Sun
- Part Shade, Full Shade
- Soil
- Well-drained, Moist
- Mature size
- Height 8–10 Inches · Spread 2–4 Feet
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Seasonality
- Deciduous
Small, greenish, inconspicuous; grown for the twiggy texture, not the bloom
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.