Smilax aspera PRICKLY IVY (10 seeds)

Sarsaparilla, rough bindweed also known as Prickly Ivy or Smilax aspera, is a perennial climbing vine native to Southern Europe and a member of the Smilacaceae family. It typically reaches 3 to 4 meters in length. It is a slow-growing evergreen that thrives in arid locations and forest undergrowth.

The plant produces small, white flowers during the autumn, which are exceptionally pleasant and highly fragrant. Each flower, about 1 cm in diameter, grows in clusters and has six petals. The stems are leathery, twining, woody, and covered in numerous thorns.

Prickly Ivy seeds are round, shiny, smooth, and light brown. They measure 5 millimeters in diameter and weigh only a few centigrams. The fruit is a berry that appears starting in November, resembling a large, bright red currant, smooth and glossy, growing in bunches.

- Uses / Properties:

Etymology and Traditional Lore

The common name of this plant is rooted in history and folklore: ancient tales recount that hunters traditionally used its rhizome during their long expeditions.
This historical reputation highlights the robustness and resilience of this variety, poetically nicknamed "hunter's herb".

Wild Gastronomy and Liqueur Aromas

Sometimes referred to as poor man's asparagus, this plant is distinguished by its young spring shoots, highly valued in wild gastronomy for their delicate flavour after appropriate preparation.
Its highly fragrant flowers, with subtle notes, are also sought after in artisanal distilling to flavour traditional spirits and elixirs.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The best time to sow rough bindweed begins in May.
• Soak the seeds for 12 hours in lukewarm water to break dormancy.
• Sow them in a tray of fine potting soil, burying them 3 to 4 millimeters deep.
• Press the soil down well and water the planting gently.
• Place the tray in a greenhouse in a warm, humid spot at a temperature of at least 25°C (day and night).
• Germination generally starts 3 to 4 weeks after planting.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

The substrate should be sandy, very well-draining, and rich in organic matter to promote healthy growth. It grows well in both acidic and basic (alkaline) soils.

- Exposure / Light:

Prickly Ivy needs plenty of bright light to bloom and develop properly. It is best to find a location in full sun.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

This vine grows best when temperatures range between 23 and 33°C. It is semi-hardy and can withstand light winter frosts. Its USDA hardiness zone is 5b.

- Watering / Irrigation:

Native to the Mediterranean basin, Smilax aspera is very drought-resistant. It requires watering twice a week during the first month after planting. Once established in the ground, regular irrigation is no longer necessary.

- Multiplication / Reproduction:

It can be propagated by seed, layering, or by taking stem cuttings during the summer.

- Pests:

It may be susceptible to aphids or red spider mites. A treatment with Bordeaux mixture may be considered if necessary.

This article was written by Julien on 07/15/2026.