Woodland plant - Ask Extension
I found these in our woods. They look like hostas, but no hosta roots have ever been disposed of in that area of the woods, so don't think they are a ...
Knowledgebase
Woodland plant #813444
Asked October 06, 2022, 5:11 PM EDT
I found these in our woods. They look like hostas, but no hosta roots have ever been disposed of in that area of the woods, so don't think they are a transplant. They do look nice. Can you identify? Thank you. Judy Olson
Douglas County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for your question. This appears to be a variety of carrionflower of the genus Smilax. There are a few varieties native to Minnesota but I believe this is the Upright Carrionflower or Smilax ecirrhata. I've included a link below with more information. Happy wildflower hunting!
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/upright-carrion-flower
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/upright-carrion-flower
Thank you so much. Is this something I might want to transplant into my shady plant area or best left to natural setting? Thanks again.
It depends on your garden. If you have a more wild type garden, it does flower and produce a berry that birds enjoy. It will get to between 2 and 3 feet tall and may spread more than you would like. Of note, like its name, the blooms of carrionflower can have a smell similar to roadkill so I wouldn't suggest it for an area near a deck or patio. Best of luck!
Thanks again. I just may try it to see if the deer find the smell distasteful also. ;-)
