When does Carolina Moonseed bloom?

Carolina Moonseed produces small, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers from June through August.

What pollinators visit Carolina Moonseed?

The small flowers of Carolina Moonseed attract bees and beetles, which serve as the primary pollinators for this native vine.

Where is Carolina Moonseed native?

Carolina Moonseed is native to Illinois and extends throughout much of the southeastern United States, typically growing in woodland edges and thickets.

What growing conditions does Carolina Moonseed prefer?

This adaptable vine tolerates a range of light conditions from partial sun to shade and can grow in various moisture levels, making it suitable for diverse garden situations.

Is Carolina Moonseed HOA-friendly?

Carolina Moonseed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Carolina Moonseed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cocculus carolinus

Last reviewed: July 2026

Carolina Moonseed (Cocculus carolinus) is a native deciduous vine found in Illinois and southeastern states, blooming June through August with small greenish flowers that attract bees and beetles.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

120"–240" H × 36"–120" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 17 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Carolina moonseed is a native climbing vine that can reach 10-20 feet in length with heart-shaped leaves. It produces small greenish flowers in summer followed by red berries on female plants. This vigorous vine works well on trellises, fences, or as ground cover in naturalized areas.

Growing Carolina Moonseed

Grow Carolina Moonseed in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 120 to 240 inches tall and spread 36 to 120 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Carolina Moonseed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Vigorous growth can appear uncontrolled
May look sparse or weedy in winter
Requires regular pruning to maintain tidy appearance

Wildlife value

The summer flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. Birds enjoy the red berries in fall, and the dense foliage provides nesting sites and cover.

Common questions

When does Carolina Moonseed bloom?: Carolina Moonseed produces small, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers from June through August.
What pollinators visit Carolina Moonseed?: The small flowers of Carolina Moonseed attract bees and beetles, which serve as the primary pollinators for this native vine.
Where is Carolina Moonseed native?: Carolina Moonseed is native to Illinois and extends throughout much of the southeastern United States, typically growing in woodland edges and thickets.
What growing conditions does Carolina Moonseed prefer?: This adaptable vine tolerates a range of light conditions from partial sun to shade and can grow in various moisture levels, making it suitable for diverse garden situations.
Is Carolina Moonseed HOA-friendly?: Carolina Moonseed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Carolina Moonseed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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