Horsebrier
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Description
A small fast, growing woody vine (Smilax rotundifoia) native to eastern North America. Horsebrier berries are dark blue and grow in umbrels 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
Sources Checked for Data in Record
- R.J. Adrosko, Natural Dyes in the United States, Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, DC, 1968
- Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "Smilax" Encyclopædia Britannica [Accessed November 5, 2002]