About Smilax jamesii G.A.Wallace
Smilax jamesii G.A.Wallace is a rhizomatous perennial herb that grows as a climbing, branching vine, reaching maximum lengths of 2 to 3 meters (6+1⁄2 to 10 ft). Its dark green leaves have blades up to 8 centimeters (3+1⁄8 in) long and 7 cm wide, with a shape ranging from triangular to pointed oval. This plant produces numerous tendrils. Its inflorescence is an umbel-shaped cluster of flowers that grows from leaf axils. Male inflorescences hold up to 20 flowers, while larger female inflorescences may contain as many as 40 flowers. Male and female flowers have similar petals, but female flowers have a spherical ovary at their center. The mature fruit is a blue berry just under one centimeter wide, which turns maroon as it dries. This species is native to northern California, where it occurs in the Klamath Mountains and the southernmost peaks of the Cascade Range. It has also been recorded from nearby areas in southwestern Oregon. It grows in moist locations such as lakesides and streambanks within mountain coniferous forest habitat.
