Carrion Flower

Someone was able to confirm this is one of the Carrion Flower species, but I am trying to figure out the specific if at all possible. There were no thorns that I could see and I think it could be the Common/Blue Ridge or the Upright. I picked a cluster of the berries from a nearby cemetery for the seeds. I would not be able to grow this in the exact type of spot that it was found. Along a fence under two very tall evergreens, but I hope to mimic this as much as possible. The sun from the south did hit it directly, but for how long I don't know. My husband thinks it would be full sun in the warm months.

My friend warned me that she has volunteers around her garden, but I am not concerned about that. The garden spots right around the house are free for any native plants. I've struggled getting so many things to grow that if something wants to go wild, I am ok with that.

When starting seeds from berries, is there anything special I need to do? Would just removing the fruit and direct seeding in the fall work and how deep should the seeds be? I know some berries are "replanted" by birds, but I wouldn't know if there is some chemical reaction that goes along with that.

Thank you for your help.

Do you think this is it? Smilax rotundifolia - http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/131835/

I'm glad you asked about this plant. I looked at your photo and thought "That looks like a Greenbriar". I didn't know the scientific name of the Greenbriars growing in my backyard and in the forest, much less that another common name was Carrion Flower.

I have never seen one in bloom or with berries. The ones in my backyard haven't bloomed that I've noticed, probably because there isn't enough sun. Deer eat so much of the ones in the woods that I'm surprised they survive.

I don't know the answer to your question about the berries, but I think they would grow if you drop ripe berries where you want them to grow.

This message was edited Oct 4, 2014 7:37 PM

Carrion Flower is a common name for members of the Smilax genus that are thornless. S. rotundifolia is thorny and not what Chillybean has. I have had some success germinating S. lasioneura seeds by winter sowing about 1/4 inch deep. Since you have the fresh berries I suggest that you clean all the soft tissue off the seeds as in many species the fruit contains germination inhibitors that are removed in the digestive tracts of birds et al. Try sowing the cleaned seeds immediately in containers outdoors for germination in the spring as fresh seeds often display easier germination.

and probably need the cold stratification for the fall through the winter months to start the growing in the spring

Thank you for the great info. I had ruled out the Greenbriar based on not finding thorns. I am not sure I'd be as eager to plant it, since I've gotten into the habit of exploring and already go through thistle, cocklebur, etc. :)

I will get these seeds planted ASAP and I've had a chance to think of some good spots. One required my husband to uproot some things. I also have some native flower seeds to get in the ground. The sun is shining, so a good day to go out.