Not sure if Smilax aspera (the variety growing here) is toxic, and Smilax glabra (the sarsaparilla used in Chinese medicine and producing beverages) is not. Or if in both, just the berries are toxic. I’ve also found that often a plant deemed toxic on one continent is consumed in another, and that young shoots of toxic plants sometimes can be eaten safely. All this has changed my perspective on toxicity a lot. The available information can be confusing, and changes sometimes.
Not sure if Smilax aspera (the variety growing here) is toxic, and Smilax glabra (the sarsaparilla used in Chinese medicine and producing beverages) is not. Or if in both, just the berries are toxic. I’ve also found that often a plant deemed toxic on one continent is consumed in another, and that young shoots of toxic plants sometimes can be eaten safely. All this has changed my perspective on toxicity a lot. The available information can be confusing, and changes sometimes.