VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Smilax bona-nox | Saw Greenbrier 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
The fruits of saw greenbrier are eaten by wood ducks, ruffed grouse,
wild turkeys, fish crows, black bears, opossums, raccoons, squirrels,
and many species of songbirds [7].  White-tailed deer browse the foliage
[5,19,43].

The commonly low and straggling growth form of saw greenbrier tends to
form an impenetrable mass of prickly branches, which creates good cover
for small mammals and birds [34].  In Kansas, an increase in the numbers
of white-footed mice was associated with an increase in woody and weedy
species (including saw greenbrier); the increase in mice was attributed
to increased low cover.  The mice were rare on the study site prior to
the loss of an American elm overstory due to Dutch elm disease [13].



PALATABILITY : 
Saw greenbrier is palatable browse for white-tailed deer [6].


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


COVER VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Saw greenbrier occurred on unreclaimed lignite surface mine sites in
east-central Texas.  It was recorded on 15-, 30-, and 50-year-old sites
and in adjacent undisturbed forest.  Its highest frequency occurred in
undisturbed forest sites [33].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
NO-ENTRY


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Saw greenbrier productivity in the understory of a loblolly pine
plantation was highest under medium thinning intensities [5].  Closed
canopy plantations produced little browse [6].

Saw greenbrier is considered a pest species in some areas; it is
difficult to eradicate due to its persistent woody rhizome [7].  It is
resistant to most herbicides, but can be controlled with karbutilate [42].

Related categories for Species: Smilax bona-nox | Saw Greenbrier