This relatively northern variety may not be worth distinguishing from the more southern var. aestivalis; both are widespread in Ky. [A similar situation occurs in Smilax glauca.] But according to Moore (1991), var. bicolor differs in its smaller mature berries (ca. 8-9 mm versus 10-12 mm), as well as its glabrous or glabrate lower leaf surfaces, exposing the glaucous surface (versus persistently arachnoid pubescent); nodes are usually glaucous, with narrower diaphragms (<2 mm diameter).