common moonseed
Menispermum canadense
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation,Cutting,Grafting Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
5 - 8
Flowers:
Greenish-white Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Fruits:
purple,black Fruits Ready In
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Moderate
Poisonous To Humans:
Yes
Poisonous To Pets:
Yes
Invasive:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Common moonseed should be watered moderately and frequently. In most climates, water it once per week or every 5-6 days, enough to moisten the soil but not so much that it becomes soggy. Water the soil until it appears evenly moist, making sure to water close to the root zone. If the plant is in a container, wait until the top few inches of soil become dry before watering again. In a garden setting, water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth. Additionally, during periods of dry weather or heat spells, increase your watering frequency slightly.
sunlight
Sunlight requirements for Common Moonseed depend on where the plant is located. It will need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to thrive in northern climates, while 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight are ideal in southern climates. In the middle areas of North America, 7 to 8 hours of direct sunlight should provide adequate light for the plant. Sunlight should be provided evenly during the day for best growth. In the summer, the plant can benefit from filtered light in the middle of the day when the sun is brightest to reduce the potential for sunburn. Common Moonseed will typically do fine in either partial sun or light shade, so long as there is still enough direct sunlight reaching the foliage to initiate the flowering process and promote healthy growth.
pruning
Common Moonseed typically requires light pruning during the growing season. It is best to prune after the plant has finished flowering. During the growing season, you should trim the longest stems back to 6 feet tall in mid-July. Remove dead or diseased branches as soon as you notice them. It is also beneficial to remove any suckers that have grown up from the bottom of the plant. When winter arrives, it is best to wait until spring to prune moonseed. In early spring, trim the branches but leave a few buds at the ends of the branches for future growth. If you need to reduce the size of the moonseed, prune any broken or damaged stems and branches. This pruning should happen during the late winter or early spring before the plant begins to sprout new growth.
