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snailseed

Scientific Name: Cocculus diversifolius

Family: Menispermaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Carolina Snailseed (Cocculus carolinus)

Cocculus carolinus, also known as Carolina Coralbead, Redberry Moonseed, Carolina snailseed, and Carolina Moonseed, is a perennial vine belonging to the genus Cocculus.

Considerations for Pets

  • Chickens have been observed eating the leaves and berries of Carolina Snailseed.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant produces bright red berries in grape-like clusters.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cocculus carolinus (L.) DC.
  • Family: Menispermaceae
  • Common Names: Carolina Snailseed, Snailseed, Carolina, Moonseed, Carolina Coralbead, Redberry Moonseed, Carolina snailseed, Carolina Moonseed, Red-berried Moonseed, Carolina red berried moonseed, Coral-bead, Coral-seed, Coral Vine, Wild Sarsaparilla, Margil, Hierba del Ojo.
  • Synonym: Cocculus diversifolius DC.
  • Group: Dicot

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to areas where it can be mistaken for Greenbriar Vine or Moonseed Vine.
  • Observed in Central Texas.
  • Reported presence in Georgia.
  • Found in Blackland Prairie, Austin, Texas.

Ecological Role

  • Birds consume the scarlet fruits.
  • May be considered an invasive species in some areas.
  • Carolina snailseed has not been a large or recognized problem plant on rangeland or pastures in Texas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Perennial vine.
  • Can climb trellises or wire fences quickly.
  • Bright green, glossy, heart-shaped (ovate to somewhat heart-shaped) leaves. Some leaves resemble an elephant's head.
  • Produces grape-like clusters of bright pea-sized red berries in the fall.
  • Flowers are small and insignificant.
  • Can grow to be 3-15 ft. long.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Birds eat the scarlet fruits of this vine.
  • Subject to powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe alphitoides on Japanese Snailseed (Cocculus trilobus).