Carolina Moonseed Cocculus carolinus

Carolina Moonseed is a deciduous, flowering, woody vine in the Moonseed family that is native to the Carolinas and found in in rocky open woods, glades, fence rows, roadsides and alongside streams. As a vine, the plant will climb with thin twining stems, or scramble along the ground to a length of 12 feet or longer. The flowers of this plant are insignificant, but the leaves are large, about twice as long as they are wide, and the attractive red fruit is considered showy. However, the plant will not usually produce fruit for the first few years after planting. The genus name comes from the Greek word kokkos meaning berry and the species name means from North or South Carolina.

Carolina Moonseed does best in average well-drained soils in full sun to part shade, although it does tolerate a wide range of soils and growing conditions. It will tolerate cold, but it does tend to partially die back in the winter, especially if it is sited in an unprotected location. When deciding on a site for this plant, also consider that it is a strong grower and will spread rapidly. Once the root is established, it can be difficult to remove.

The plant will do best supported by a trellis, arbor, or fence, or woven through large shrubs and can be pruned back to maintain a desired size. The seeds of Carolina Moonseed are shaped like the shell of a snail (hence, one of its common names). The plant is occasionally found in the wild, but is relatively rare.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests. Carolina Moonseed will spread rapidly and can become weedy.