Smilacaceae
Sarsaparilla: Edible Plant
Smilax aspera
A tough, low-maintenance vine once established. Grows best in full sun but tolerates partial shade to full shade. Adapts to almost any well-drained soil and, once rooted, withstands long dry spells. Largely free of serious pests and diseases, needing little more than an annual tidy-up prune.
Every 10 days
Bright indirect
-6° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Sarsaparilla?
Sarsaparilla (Smilax aspera) is a easy-care plant from the Smilacaceae family. Smilax aspera, commonly known as sarsaparilla or rough bindweed, is an evergreen, thorny climbing vine native to the Mediterranean Basin, southern Europe and North Africa. Using tendrils, it scrambles over shrubs, walls and trellises, reaching 1 to 4 metres in length. Its wiry, zigzagging stems and...
Sarsaparilla grows up to 4.0m, watering every 10 days. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Sarsaparilla tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Sarsaparilla is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Sarsaparilla?
TLDR: Sarsaparilla needs Bright indirect, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between -6-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Sarsaparilla?
Water moderately, letting the topsoil dry out between waterings. Keep the soil consistently moist for the first two years to help the plant establish; after that it tolerates drought well.
How Much Light Does Sarsaparilla Need?
Plant in full sun for the best flowering and densest foliage, though it also grows well in partial or even full shade. Shelter from strong winds.
What Is the Best Soil for Sarsaparilla?
Tolerant of nearly any well-drained soil - sandy, loamy or clay - with a pH between 5.5 and 8. Good drainage matters more than soil type.
What Pot Should You Use for Sarsaparilla?
A wide, deep, well-draining pot works well if trained up a trellis or stake; terracotta helps prevent the roots from staying too wet.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 90 days
What Is Sarsaparilla and Where Does It Come From?
Smilax aspera, commonly known as sarsaparilla or rough bindweed, is an evergreen, thorny climbing vine native to the Mediterranean Basin, southern Europe and North Africa. Using tendrils, it scrambles over shrubs, walls and trellises, reaching 1 to 4 metres in length. Its wiry, zigzagging stems and leathery, heart-shaped leaves are armed with small spines, and from September to November it produces clusters of tiny, strongly fragrant greenish-white flowers followed by red berries that ripen to black.
How to Propagate Sarsaparilla?
Growing from seed
Germination is slow and uneven - be patient.
- 1 Collect ripe berries and clean off the pulp
- 2 Cold-stratify the seeds at 3-6C for 2 to 4 weeks
- 3 Sow in a light, well-drained mix
- 4 Keep moist until germination
Materials needed:
Clump division
Wear thick gloves - the stems are spiny.
- 1 Carefully dig up an established clump
- 2 Separate a section with roots and shoots attached
- 3 Replant immediately in its new spot
- 4 Water thoroughly after transplanting
Materials needed:
How Big Does Sarsaparilla Grow?
TLDR: Sarsaparilla can reach up to 4.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
4.0m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal Uses
- Traditional diuretic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Expectorant
- Traditionally used for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
- Traditionally used for joint pain
Culinary Uses
- Young shoots cooked and eaten like asparagus in parts of the Mediterranean, sometimes called poor man's asparagus
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Sarsaparilla?
TLDR: Sarsaparilla is susceptible to 3 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Meaning & Symbolism
With its evergreen persistence and protective thorns, sarsaparilla has long been seen as a symbol of resilience and quiet defense - a plant that endures in poor soil and dry seasons alike.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- Smilax aspera o Zarzaparrilla | Cuidados
- Smilax aspera - Wikipedia
- El cultivo de la zarzaparrilla - Botanical-online
- Salsepareille d'Europe, Smilax aspera : planter, cultiver, multiplier
- Smilax aspera: que es, caracteristicas, habitat, propiedades, cuidados
- Smilax aspera - Salsaparrilha - Arvores e Arbustos de Portugal
