These vines are found along the road side in our area. Very non-descript in summer, but when the leaves are gone, the seed pods (round balls of berries) really stand out. There are usually around 5 to 7 balls on a given plant, each a little larger than a golf ball, but smaller than a tennis ball. The hard, purplish-black berries that make up the balls have their own little stalk fixed in the center. Birds don't seem to pay them any attention, but they are wonderful for dried flower arrangements - long lasting and they give such a great texture to the display. I've done some research and can't seem to find an ID for these anywhere. I'd love to know what they are...
UPDATE: Thanks to Linda K., I think we've found an answer. It's called smilax herbacea (aka carrion vine.) And apparently birds do like them.
3 comments:
These are not eaten?
Nope - they are not edible (by people.) Not sure if any animals find them tasty. Deer and birds don't appear to eat them.
I've seen these before but I don't know what they are either. Good idea to use them with dried flowers.
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