VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Smilax laurifolia | Laurelleaf Greenbrier 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Black bears and a variety of bird species feed on laurelleaf greenbrier
fruit; however, it was refused by captive marsh rabbits [3,14].  The
pocosins and woodlands where laurelleaf greenbrier grows are important
to a variety of Southeastern wildlife including the white-tailed deer,
bobcat, gray squirrel, Eastern diamond-back rattlesnake, American
alligator, pine barrens tree frog, and the endangered red-cockaded
woodpecker [23].
  


PALATABILITY : 
NO-ENTRY


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


COVER VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Laurelleaf greenbrier may be propagated by its tuberous rhizomes [25]
and once established, grows with unusual vigor [19].  It is potentially
valuable for rehabilitation prescriptions calling for quick
establishment of dense cover.


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
As a member of pocosin plant communities, laurelleaf greenbrier helps
provide essential habitat for the following endangered plants:  white
wickey (Kalmia cuneata), arrowleaf shieldwort (Peltandra sagittaefolia),
spring-flowering golden rod (Solidago verna), and rough-leaf loostrife
(Lysimachia asperulaefolia) [23].


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Laurelleaf greenbrier is a silvicultural pest.  On cut-over sites it
inhibits southern white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) regeneration by
climbing cedar seedlings and causing physical damage from the
accumulated weight of several vines [3].  Drainage and fire caused an
increase in laureleaf greenbrier in the Everglades Mariscus-Myrica-Ilex
type [16].

Related categories for Species: Smilax laurifolia | Laurelleaf Greenbrier