Climbing woody vine. Stems thin, usually glabrous. Leaves broadly ovate, entire or shallowly 3-lobed, cordate to rounded at the base, acute or obtuse at the apex, 2.5-10 cm (1-4 in) long and almost as wide, usually glabrous above and pubescent below. Inflorescence loose drooping axillary and terminal panicles 2.5-12 cm (1-5 in) long. Flowers small, numerous, greenish, blooming in late Spring. Fruits drupes, bright red and about 10 mm (0.4 in) in diameter when mature in late Summer. The single seed resembles a small snail shell.
Distribution: Native to about the southeastern quarter of the U. S.
Habitat: Usually found at the margins of openings in forests, often near streams.
NWI status: FACU
Comment: Cocculus refers to the snail-shaped seed; carolinus refers to "Carolina".
Distribution in Oklahoma: 
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Last update: 9/9/99
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