The most authoritative sources seem to put the western end of its range well east of the Mississippi River, only as far west as Ohio south to Alabama, some including Indiana. All authorities agree it is a plant of eastern North America (excluding Florida), with the distribution most concentrated along the Appalachian Mountains. Smilax herbacea is a widely distributed plant, although the exact distribution is difficult to find. While most seem to agree that a Nemexia / Coprosmanthus section is appropriate, even as recently as the late 20th century there is disagreement as to whether the section should be called Nemexia or Coprosmanthus. Starting with De Candolle in 1878, most authorities have rolled these species back into Smilax, although there is some disagreement on the division within that genus. In 1850, shortly before his death, German botanist Carl Kunth elevated Coprosmanthus to species level. In 1843 John Torrey determined that they should be instead placed back in Smilax, in a section he named Coprosmanthus.

Rafinesque, based on the lack of prickles on the stems and the presence of staminodes on the pistillate flowers. Originally classified in Smilax (which was part of Liliaceae at the time,) in 1825 it was declared a separate genus named Nemexia by C.S. This section of Smilax has an interesting history. Smilax herbacea is within the Nemexia section of Smilax, the herbaceous rather than woody plants in the genus, which also do not have stickers. All members of the family are dioecious - male and female flowers are on separate plants. Plants in the genus occur around the world in temporate and tropical regions.

Smilax is a large genus of around 255 species, the only species in Smilacaceae since the genus Heterosmilax has been merged into Smilax. Smilax herbacea - Smooth Carrionflower, Jacob's Ladder, Common Carrion-flower. Monocot Perennial Herb Vine Leaves:Alternate Smooth Carrionflower, Jacob's Ladder, Common Carrion-flower - Smilax herbacea

Carrion flowers