[1][3][4] It is a common and conspicuous part of the natural forest ecosystems in much of its native range.

Common greenbrier climbs other plants using green tendrils growing out of the petioles.

[5] The young shoots of common greenbrier are reported to be excellent when cooked like asparagus.

[6] Like its common names suggest, Smilax rotundifolia is a green vine with thorns.

It has woody stems that are pale green in color and are glabrous, the youngest of which are often square-shaped.

As the vine dies, the stem turns from green to a dark brown color.

Along the lower surfaces of the primary veins it is possible to find small prickles but they are not always present.

The petioles are a quarter to half an inch long, light green in color and glabrous.

Fires that open the canopies of dense forests encourage the growth of Smilax rotundifolia.

In New Hampshire it was found that Smilax rotundifolia responds to fire with rapid vigorous vegetative growth in the spring and fall.

[10] Smilax rotundifolia is found in the eastern half of the continental United States including Texas, South Dakota, and Oklahoma with the exception of Vermont.

Smilax rotundifolia vines and roots boiled together with tea was used to treat an upset stomach.