Key Facts
- Herbaceous, vining perennial native to parts of eastern and central North America
- Small greenish to brownish flowers emit a carrion like odor that attracts flies and other pollinators
- Non thorny stems that climb by twining rather than by hooked prickles
- Produces small dark berries that are eaten by wildlife
- Spreads by underground rhizomes and by seed
- Tolerates shady, moist woodland conditions
- Often overlooked because flowers are small and held among the foliage
Smilax herbacea is a smooth herbaceous climber known as carrion or corpse flower because its small greenish blooms smell like rotting flesh to attract fly pollinators. It grows in shady moist woodlands and spreads by underground rhizomes and by seed.
Identification
Stems are non thorny and climb by twining rather than by hooked prickles. Flowers are small and greenish to brownish and are held among the foliage so they are often overlooked. The plant produces small dark berries that are eaten by wildlife. Individual climbing stems typically reach about 2 to 6 ft when given support.
Where to grow and best uses
Use this plant as a naturalized climber or low screen in shaded moist areas where wildlife value outweighs the scent of the blooms. It works well along shaded fences shaded edges of woodlands and in native plantings where a quietly spreading vine is acceptable. Avoid planting near patios or doors if the odor of the flowers will be a nuisance.
Hardiness and bloom time
Reported hardiness is approximately USDA zones 3 to 8. In colder zones plants die back to underground rhizomes in winter. Flowers appear in summer and typically bloom in June and July in many parts of the northern hemisphere though exact timing varies with latitude.
Soil and light
Prefers moist humus rich well drained woodland soil and tolerates average garden loam. Poorly drained soils can cause crowns and rhizomes to rot while very dry exposed soils produce sparse growth and reduced flowering. Partial shade to full shade is ideal and plants in sunnier sites need consistently moist soil to avoid stress.
Planting and propagation
Propagate by division of rhizomes for fastest establishment or by seed with appropriate stratification if available. Dig and separate rhizome sections that have buds and replant in similar shaded moist soil keeping the planting area watered until new growth is established.
Watering and routine care
Maintain steady moisture in the planting area to encourage healthy leaves and flowering. Drought stress reduces flowering and long wet conditions can lead to rot. Minimal pruning is needed because stems die back naturally each season in cold climates.
After flowering and winter care
Leave fruiting stems in place if you want to feed wildlife otherwise cut back dead stems in fall. In colder parts of the range the top growth dies back and the plant survives on its rhizomes so avoid heavy disturbance of the root zone.
Spread and naturalizing control
Smilax herbacea spreads by creeping rhizomes and by seed and can form local colonies where conditions are favorable. Control unwanted spread by digging out rhizomes when plants are small or by removing seed heads before berries mature.
Name note
The common names carrion flower or corpse flower are used for several unrelated plants so make sure you are looking at Smilax herbacea and not species such as Amorphophallus or Stapelia.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Carrion/Corpse Flower grow?
- Growth is moderate and variable. Individual stems commonly reach 2 to 6 ft in a season and colonies expand gradually over time by rhizomes.
- When does Carrion/Corpse Flower bloom?
- Blooming is in summer and often occurs in June and July in many areas though exact timing depends on local climate.
- Can I grow this plant in sun?
- It prefers partial shade to full shade and will need steady moisture in sunnier sites to avoid stress and reduced flowering.
- Is Carrion/Corpse Flower poisonous?
- Specific toxicity information is not well documented. Avoid ingesting unknown berries and consult your local poison control or extension service for guidance if ingestion occurs.
- How do I stop it from spreading?
- Remove unwanted plants by digging out rhizomes or cut seed heads before berries form. Regular inspection and removal of new shoots prevents colony expansion.
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