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Canadian moonseed

English
  • Climbing Plants,
  • Native Plants
Photo: Isabelle Dupras
menispermum_canadensis

Onglets

Botany

Origin and description

A perennial climbing vine native to Québec. Still little known, the species charms with its beautiful lobed foliage. The little whitish flowers, often hidden under the leaves, bloom in springtime. Its blue-black fruit, gathered in bunches on the female plants, are toxic for humans, but provide food for certain birds. They contain a seed in the shape of a crescent moon, whence the name of the plant.

Type of growth: voluble leaf stocks
Flowering: white, in June
Fruiting: blue-black, in late summer, toxic; the fruit can be confused with wild grapes; it often remains on the plant throughout the winter
Attractions for wildlife: attracts birds and pollinators

Common name

Canadian moonseed

Latin name (genus)

Menispermum canadense

English common name

French common name

Botanical family

  • Menispermaceae
Horticulture

Growing conditions

Exposure: prefers semi-shade or light shade, but can tolerate a sunny location if the soil is kept fresh
Soil type: cool or moist, rich
Observation: both male and female plants have to be cultivated for there to be fruit. Vigorous plant, but growth is slow in the early years. Provide solid support (trellis or ropes) that the leaf stocks can wrap themselves around. Good resistance to diseases and pests. Spreads through rhizomes and can reseed.

Hardiness

  • Zone 4

See also

Pests and diseases
Physiological disorders