Greenbriar Berries

Here's a bunch of Greenbriar berries, probably about 2.5x. This is a recent shot, perhaps surprising at this time of year. Why haven't the birds cleaned these up?

Maybe it's because these fruit have lower fat and nutritional value than other fruits. It's no matter, for come Spring as the Gray Catbirds migrate back into the area, they will devour these berries.

Greenbriar

Greenbriar, Smilax rotundifolia, to anyone who has tangled with it, will know it as organic barbed wire. For birds and small mammals, it's just the ticket for those in need of a well defended castle. It's common to see small animal trails throughout the vines and rabbits are known to nest their young there. Sorry, but there are no trails photos yet--there's snow on the ground and more on the way.







Also known as horsebriar or bullbriar, it's one of very few North Eastern USA vines to sport both thorns and tendrils. This specie will have tendrils only--no thorns, that is-- on the nodes. That and a good jab make it an easy identification.

By the way, Monday's mystery grass is in the clutches of a greenbriar vine, although it curiously has a very light hold on the culm, unlike the tight grips we see in the top shot.

Mystery Grass

Well why not? What's life without a little mystery?

Actually, I don't feel too very guilty as some grass identification books are expected to arrive tomorrow. My little library is growing and soon I'll set up a posting to list my tools. And maybe, I'll find identification a bit easier.



























Included here is a closer shot of the briar's tendril and its grip on the grass's stalk. We'll soon be taking a closer look at these briars--they grow thickly and are well populated around the lake.