Horsebrier

Description

A small fast, growing woody vine (Smilax rotundifoia) native to eastern North America. Horsebrier berries are dark blue and grow in umbrellas on flattened stems. The berries are crushed and combined with lye to produce a navy blue to dark purple dye.

Synonyms and Related Terms

greenbrier; common catbrier; Smilax rotundifoia

Resources and Citations

• R.J. Adrosko, Natural Dyes in the United States, Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, DC, 1968

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "Smilax" [Accessed November 5, 2002]