Jackson Vine, Lance-leaf Greenbriar

Smilax smallii

$28.00 Sold out
Best seller

Tuber | Hardiness Zones 7-9

Florists across the South have a name for the green that turns up at every wedding worth attending and every Christmas mantel worth dressing: Jackson vine. Southern smilax, if that is how you came up. The town of Evergreen, Alabama took its name from this very plant, which gives you some idea how far Smilax smallii has wound itself into the region's notion of celebration. Looped down a staircase, run along an altar, drawn the length of a table, they are the foliage that announces something is happening here.

What sets this one apart from its relatives is temperament. Most of the smilax clan are greenbriers in the truest sense, all hooks and bad attitude, the sort of thing you regret meeting in a hedgerow. Jackson vine comes up nearly thornless apart from a few young shoots near the ground, glossy and evergreen and content to be handled. The leaves are lance-shaped and lacquered, and they keep that shine long after cutting, which is the whole point of the thing. Female plants carry green berries that ripen to black, a quiet bonus for the arrangements that want them.

They grow from a large, potato-like tuber, patient at first, and once the roots take hold the spring shoots come fast and keep coming. Give them sun to part shade and a sandy, free-draining soil, set it against a fence or trellis or anything slim enough for the tendrils to find, and you have less a single vine than a standing crop. Cut from it and it comes back. Season after season it becomes the source you reach for rather than the order you place.

A few years in, you stop buying garland by the box and start growing your own.

Photo credit to Will Stuart

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Hardiness Zones USDA Zones 7-9
Sun Full Sun and Part Shade
Soil Well-drained and Loam
Mature size Height: 20-30 Feet / Spread: 3-6 Feet
Growth Rate Fast
Seasonality Evergreen

Flower, Fruit and Foliage

Foliage: The leaves are lance-shaped, dark green, and evergreen in warmer climates, providing year-round interest. The foliage is glossy and leathery, giving the plant a lush appearance.

Flowers: Produces small, inconspicuous greenish flowers in late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by clusters of small, blue-black berries that attract birds and other wildlife.

Read full care instruction manual here.

Light Requirements: Prefers partial shade to full sun. Smilax smallii is highly adaptable to various light conditions, thriving in both shaded woodland settings and areas with full sun. In full sun, the plant tends to grow more vigorously, but it can also thrive in partial shade, where it may exhibit slightly slower growth.

Soil Requirements: Prefers well-draining, loamy soil. This vine grows well in a variety of soil types, including sandy and clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. Smilax smallii is adaptable to different soil pH levels, ranging from acidic to slightly alkaline (pH 5.5-7.5). Incorporating organic matter, such as compost, can improve soil fertility and support healthy growth.

Watering: Requires moderate watering, especially during dry periods. While Smilax smallii is relatively drought-tolerant once established, regular watering during prolonged dry spells will support optimal growth. It prefers soil that is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain moisture and keeps the roots cool.

Temperature and Humidity: Hardy in USDA zones 7-9. Smilax smallii is well-suited to warm, temperate climates and can tolerate mild winters. It is adaptable to a range of humidity levels, thriving in both humid southeastern U.S. climates and drier regions. The plant is resilient and can withstand occasional frost.

Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth. An additional application in mid-summer can help sustain the plant during its peak growing period. Organic fertilizers, such as compost or well-rotted manure, are also beneficial for maintaining soil fertility. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth.

Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Smilax smallii benefits from regular pruning to control its size and shape, especially if it is being trained on a trellis or used as a ground cover. Pruning helps prevent the vine from becoming too invasive and encourages a more bushy and manageable growth habit.

Pests and Problems: Generally pest-resistant, but may occasionally be affected by aphids or spider mites. Ensuring good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent fungal diseases. If pests or diseases are detected, treat with appropriate measures such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.

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Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

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.