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| Carolina Snailseed, Snailseed, Red-berried Moonseed, Carolina Moonseed, Coral-bead, Coral-seed, Coral Vine, Wild Sarsaparilla, Margil, Hierba del Ojo Cocculus carolinus Menispermaceae In late summer and early fall, Carolina snailseed's long clusters of brilliant red fruits can be seen dangling from high in tall trees as well over shrubs and anything else nearby. It is a slender, twining vine that grows in rich soils, swampy areas, forest margins, often near streams, in the eastern half of Texas. Birds are fond of the fruit and have planted most of the plants found climbing up trees and shrubs. The triangular-ovate leaves resemble those of Smilax sp., but the leaves of Smilax are much more leathery and its stems have vicious thorns. The common name refers to the seed, which resembles a snail shell. Plant Habit or Use: vine
Exposure: sun Flower Color: greenish white Blooming Period: summer Fruit Characteristics: bright red drupes in racemes Height: 10 to 14 feet Width: Plant Character: deciduous Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: Soil Requirements: adaptable Additional Comments:
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