Species common moonseed
broad, shiny, palmate-shaped, bluish-green leaf with cluster of small, white flowers, and pale-green stems

common moonseed

Menispermum canadense

Common moonseed (Menispermum canadense) is an arborous vascular plant native to parts of Canada and the United States. Growing up to 6 meters tall, it has spreading branches that create a wide, dome-like canopy. The compound leaves are each noticeably pinnately compound, with leaflets growing in opposites and having smooth edges. Its flowers are small and yellow, typical of the moonseed family. Its well-known fruit is a blue-black berry, borne in round clusters and is slightly fragrant, though avoided by most wildlife. Though not widely grown, common moonseed is an attractive addition to a garden.

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.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Menispermum canadense typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Common moonseed typically starts flowering in June.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Menispermum canadense typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map