[2][4] Smilax pseudochina is a climbing herbaceous vine which grows up to 2 meters (7 feet) tall, the thornless stems only live one year but will regrow the next.

The stems have numerous tendrils which twist around objects and help the plant climb.

The leaf edges are often straight or almost concave, this helps distinguish it from other Smilax spp.

[3] The Cherokees of North America would make fritters from the plant's fresh, macerated tuberous roots.

After the roots had been ground and soaked in water, the water was decanted, and the root mash, after leaving it out to dry, was mixed with fine corn meal, made into a dough-like batter and then deep-fried in animal fat.