Super Dwarf Greenbrier. When one first sees this dwarf sub-shrub/groundcover, the last genus one might suspect is "Smilax". Especially since Smilax was formerly placed in the Lily family, Liliaceae. For all practical purposes, I'll call it a dwarf shrub. It has tiny leaves on zig-zagging stems which is probably more dense than a 'Shillings' or 'Helleri' holly. It is native to the western Yunnan province of China. It does well in sun or part shade and most well drained soils. It suckers from underground rhizomes and gets to only 6-12 in. tall. Unfortunately it is deciduous. I first saw this plant in Japan and was totally captivated by it. One may find this selection listed under Damacanthus indicus, which it closely resembles, but it certainly is not this. All smilax, as far as I know, are dioecious with separate male and female plants and this species blooms in spring with diminutive greenish-yellow flowers which resemble miniature lilies. The last picture is compliments of Mike Chelednik taken at the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, NC.
