Common moonseed (Menispermum canadense)

Also known as: Yellow parilla, Moonseed

Common moonseed (Menispermum canadense) is a plant native to eastern North America whose fruit closely resembles grapes. However, every part of moonseed is toxic to humans. To tell them apart, look at the seeds: moonseed fruit contains a single crescent-shaped seed, whereas grapes have multiple round seeds.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Common moonseed

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Vine

Plant Height

3.5 m to 11 m

Spread

90 cm to 1.8 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

8 cm to 15 cm

Flower Color

Green White Yellow

Images of Common moonseed

Quickly Identify Common moonseed

Twining stems lack tendrils, distinguishing it from climbers

Palmately lobed leaves with a vibrant green top surface

Downward-hanging panicles with separate male and female flowers

Fruit in grape-like clusters with crescent-shaped seeds

Distinct stem transitions from green to woody with sparse branching

Scientific Classification of Common moonseed

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Ranunculales

Family

Moonseed

Genus

Moonseeds

Species

Common moonseed

Planting and Growing of Common moonseed

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

68-77℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Terracotta

How to Water Common moonseed?

When watering Menispermum canadense, aim to thoroughly soak the soil until water drains out from the bottom of the pot. Ensure the soil does not become soggy, as it should reach a moist but not oversaturated state.

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Common moonseed?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Menispermum canadense benefits from partial shade conditions; this ensures it receives enough light for photosynthesis while avoiding harsh conditions. Ideal light promotes vibrant foliage and optimal growth.

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Common moonseed?

Ideal Temperature: 68 ~ 77℉

For optimal growth, Menispermum canadense thrives in a temperature range of 68°F to 77°F. This range ensures that the plant can photosynthesize effectively and absorb nutrients efficiently, facilitating healthy growth and development.

What Soil is Best for Common moonseed?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Menispermum canadense thrives in well-drained soil, which prevents waterlogging and root rot. This soil type enhances aeration and allows roots to absorb nutrients efficiently, promoting healthy plant growth. While Menispermum canadense doesn’t require overly rich soil, a moderately fertile substrate provides essential nutrients that help it grow robustly. Nutrient-rich loam supports its foliage development and flowering. This plant benefits from soil that retains some moisture without becoming soggy. Consistent moisture availability supports its natural habitat conditions, ensuring the plant remains lush and vigorous.

How to Fertilize Common moonseed?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Menispermum canadense does not require heavy feeding. For liquid fertilizers, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. When using slow-release fertilizers, apply a small amount evenly around the base of the plant, ensuring it is not directly touching the stems or leaves.

How to Prune Common moonseed?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin your pruning process by observing the growth pattern of Menispermum canadense. This plant is a climbing vine, so focus on controlling excessive spread and ensuring a balanced, pleasing shape. Trim back any wayward vines to prevent them from overwhelming nearby plants or structures. Inspect the plant for any signs of damage or disease. Cut away dead or damaged stems and leaves to prevent any potential spread of disease and stimulate healthier growth. This should be done with clean, sharp pruning tools to make precise cuts. Prune back some of the older growth to encourage the plant to produce more branches, which will result in a fuller appearance. Focus on cutting just above a leaf node, as this stimulates new growth. Regularly checking and pruning spent flowers can also promote a more extended blooming period. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Common moonseed plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Harvest seeds from mature Menispermum canadense berries during the late summer. Clean and dry them thoroughly before storing them in a cool, dry place until you're ready to plant.

Select healthy stems for cuttings. Cut about 4 to 6 inches with a pair of sharp, sterile pruning shears. Remove any flowers or fruit from the cutting to focus the plant’s energy on root production.

Fill the seed tray with a mixture of potting soil and compost. Sow the seeds about a quarter-inch deep. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged and maintain a temperature around 70°F for ideal germination.

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How to Repot Common moonseed plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Menispermum canadense should be repotted when you notice its roots growing out of the drainage holes or when the plant's growth has slowed significantly. Spring is the ideal time for repotting as the plant is actively growing and can recover more quickly from the root disturbance.

Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one, with sufficient drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Unglazed clay pots are beneficial as they allow the soil to breathe, reducing the chances of root rot and supporting healthy root systems.

Select a well-draining, loamy soil mix to ensure adequate aeration and moisture retention without becoming waterlogged. This type of soil will support healthy root growth and provide the necessary nutrients for your plant to thrive after repotting.

Toxicity of Common moonseed

Is Common moonseed toxic to humans?

Common moonseed is extremely toxic to all animal species, as every part of the tree encompasses the poisonous alkaloid dauricine. Even a small amount ingested can lead to poisoning and may result in death.

Is Common moonseed toxic to cat?

Common moonseed presents a significant risk to the health of felines. Exposure happens when cats consume the toxic components, particularly the seeds. Following ingestion, a cat might show clear signs of distress, which can appear as symptoms of bodily discomfort or illness, thereby requiring urgent veterinary care. Due to the gravity of common moonseed's potential effects, cat owners need to be vigilant in preventing their pets from interacting with this dangerous plant. If accidental ingestion occurs, swift treatment at a veterinary facility is essential to alleviate the risks linked to common moonseed.

Is Common moonseed toxic to dog?

The common moonseed plant species presents a serious toxicity threat to dogs, mainly due to ingestion. When dogs consume any part of this plant, particularly its seeds, they face a high likelihood of poisoning. Symptoms of this poisoning can differ but may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, kidney failure, and in extreme situations, seizures or even death. It is imperative for dog owners to prevent their pets from coming into contact with any portion of the common moonseed, especially its seeds. Should there be any suspicion that a dog has ingested any part of common moonseed, prompt veterinary attention is crucial to address the symptoms and increase the chances of recovery.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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