Carolina moonseed is one of Missouri's (somewhat) smaller vines. Plants are usually dioecious and have either male or female flowers, so one of each will be needed for berries to be produced. The inconspicuous flower clusters appear in summer. In October, female plants will bear clusters of brilliant red, semi-transluscent berries. Birds will often leave them alone until late in the year when other food sources are diminished. Alkaloids make them inedible for humans. The attractive shiny leaves are usually heart-shaped or three-lobed.

With very cold winters, Carolina moonseed often dies back to the ground. It will resprout once the weather warms up.  Plant it near a trellis, some shrubs, or other vines that it can climb on. When allowed to grow in thickets, it forms valuable wildlife habitat.

Uses:  Birds, bees, cover for wildlife
Bloom time:  
    Flowers:  July - August
    Berries:  September through Fall

Height:  10 to 15 feet
Space:  4 to 8 feet

Sun:  Sun to medium shade
Moisture:  Dry to moist