This species is not part of the collection of the Seed Library.
Known to be toxic - Poisonous berries may be mistaken for wild grapes; do not consume
Plant Names
Menispermum canadense
Canada Moonseed
ménisperme du Canada
Plant Characteristics
Bloom Colour: Blue
Bloom Period: Aug - Oct
Max Height: 25.0 feet
Max Width: 1.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light Condition:
More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Tolerates medium soil condition
More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan:
Perennial
plants that will come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
Spreads by rhizome
Self-seeding
Spreads by rhizome
Self-seeding
Landscape Uses:
No landscape information available.
Ecological Benefits:
No ecological benefits information available.
Tolerates:
Tolerates sandy conditions
Tolerates sandy conditions
Special Features and Considerations:
Seed and plant distribution status
Seeds in stock
Available at table Vines, Shrubs, Trees
Available at table Vines, Shrubs, Trees
We currently accept seeds for this plant
Fun Facts
Canada moonseed is a vigorous native vine found along riverbanks, forest margins, floodplains, and thickets. Attractive heart-shaped leaves provide lush green coverage throughout the growing season.
Small greenish flowers are followed by clusters of dark blue-black berries that resemble wild grapes. Although valuable to wildlife, the fruits and seeds are toxic to humans and should not be consumed.
In gardens, moonseed works well on arbors, fences, woodland trellises, and naturalized screens. Its rapid growth makes it useful for covering structures and providing wildlife habitat, particularly in moist soils.
Small greenish flowers are followed by clusters of dark blue-black berries that resemble wild grapes. Although valuable to wildlife, the fruits and seeds are toxic to humans and should not be consumed.
In gardens, moonseed works well on arbors, fences, woodland trellises, and naturalized screens. Its rapid growth makes it useful for covering structures and providing wildlife habitat, particularly in moist soils.
Plant Location
Distribution according to VASCAN
Ephemeral
Native
Introduced
Excluded
Extirpated
Doubtful
Absent
Canadensis
No ecozone information available for this plant.
Ecological Benefits
Butterflies Supported by Menispermum canadense
No butterfly data available for this plant.
Specialized Bees Supported by Menispermum canadense
No bee data available for this plant.
Complementary Plants
- No complementary plants found.
Substitute For Non-Native Plants
No substitute plant data available for this plant.
Sowing Information
Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
- Sowing depth: Sow just below surface
- Sow by February
- Stratification duration: 60 days
- Self-seeding
Harvesting and Seed Sharing
- Harvest start month: October
- Harvesting indicator:
- Berries are ripen and easily fall off or have fallen off
- Harvesting:
- Squeeze berries to extract seeds, wash with soapy water, rinse throroughly
- Seed viability test:
- No test needed before donating
- Packaging measure: 1 rounded 1/8 teaspoon
- Seed storage:
- Air Dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp
- Shake seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
- Cultivar: No, you can donate without knowing the source as there are only straight species
- Remove non-seed material
- No harvesting video available at this time.
Toxicity Notes
Poisonous berries may be mistaken for wild grapes; do not consume