Great as a gift 🌸
Bristly Greenbrier
Smilax hispida · Smilacaceae
How it looks
Bristly Greenbrier (Smilax hispida) is a plant with thick vine stems densely covered in prickles, bearing glossy oval leaves set alternately. In autumn small round fruit in black and blue hang in clusters. Length 10-33 ft (3-10 m).
Bristly Greenbrier is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. An occasional nibble is unlikely to cause any real trouble.
Guide for parents
What your cat can reach is the lower leaves and stems, plus whatever has fallen to the ground. If it is standing outside in the yard, take a look at whether the space underneath is a path your cat uses often.
Fallen leaves keep piling up if left alone, so clear the side where your cat spends time now and then. If you have brought it indoors in a pot, the rim of the pot — or the tips of any trailing stems — becomes that spot instead.
Details
- Scientific name
- Smilax hispida
- Common name
- Bristly Greenbrier
- Family
- Smilacaceae
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Related plants
Same plant family· Smilacaceae
Other safe flowers
Related guides
7 Cat-Safe Flowers to Give a Cat Owner
Want to give flowers to a friend or family member who has a cat? Here are 7 flowers that are both beautiful and safe for cats.
Why Cats Chew Plants, and How to Stop It
A cat chewing and tearing at plants isn't just mischief — there's an instinct behind it. Once you understand why, the ways to stop it follow naturally.