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Moonseed Wikimedia Commons
Menispermaceae

Moonseed

Menispermum canadense

Hidden danger and mystery.

Family
Menispermaceae
Genus
Menispermum
Native to
Eastern North America
Bloom season
Summer
Type
vine
Height
10-15 ft
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Soil
moist, rich
Water
moderate to high
Hardiness
4-8
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • Moonseed gets its name from the crescent moon shape of its seeds.
  • Its berries are highly toxic and have been mistakenly eaten by people who confused them with wild grapes.
  • Unlike grapes, moonseed berries contain a single crescent-shaped seed, while grapes have round seeds.
  • Native Americans used small amounts of the root medicinally as a laxative and blood purifier despite its toxicity.
  • The vine can twine around supports and climb rapidly, covering fences and arbors in a single season.

Color meanings

0

caution

1

deception

2

mystery

Uses

  • ornamental vine
  • traditional Native American medicine
  • wildlife cover