Climbing woody vine. Stems thin, usually glabrous. Leaves broadly ovate, entire or shallowly 3-7 lobed, cordate to slightly peltate at the base, acuminate, acute or obtuse at the apex, 10-20 cm (4-8 in) long and about as wide, dark green above and pale green below. Inflorescence loose drooping axillary and terminal panicles 2.5-10 cm (1-4 in) long. Flowers small, numerous, greenish, blooming in late Spring. Fruits drupes, black and about 10 mm (0.4 in) in diameter when mature in late Summer. The single seed somewhat resembles a quarter moon.
Distribution: Native to about the eastern third of the U. S. and southeastern Canada.
Habitat: Usually found at the margins of openings in forests, often near streams.
NWI status: none
Comment: Menispermum is from a Greek word meaning moonseed; canadense refers to Canada, where the first specimen was collected.
Distribution in Oklahoma: 
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Last update: 9/14/99
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