Integrating Carolina Snailseed into the Landscape
Cocculus Carolinus, also known as Carolina Snailseed, is a striking, fast-growing perennial vine that is a native species to the central and southeastern United States. Carolina Snailseed is a member of the moonseed family (Menispermaceae) and is characterized by lush, heart-shaped foliage, and clusters of small, bright, scarlet berries. This perennial is extremely hardy and adaptable which provides a lovely way to add vertical expansion and a bit of the wild to any landscape.
It is understandable that Carolina Snailseed is not the first plant that would come to mind for design when planning a garden, but it assists in offering a unique design element that is entirely it. Since it collects and covers the surrounding space, it also functions as a product to help the design of a natural screen.
This unique natural element assists in garden design while providing a benefit for the surrounding wildlife and softens the look of a construction focal point. Let’s look at the features of this often undervalued native vine and the additional ways it can be used.
The Charms of Carolina Snailseed
One of the more intriguing aspects of Carolina Snailseed is how it provides an aged, rustic appearance right from the start. It works to soften the lines of old buildings, fences, and walls and adds a weaving tapestry of green to dull surroundings. If a structure is an old shed or something as boring as a stark brick wall, it can be base-planted with the vine, and voila – it's a living feature! Its wonderful yet wild overgrown appearance with dense foliage provides excellent coverage to any area.
Carolinas Snailseed is a pleasing option for those who relish in the pursuits of birdwatching. Many birds, specifically cedar waxwings, feast on the bright red berries. Since the Carolina Snailseed adds to the food source and creates a bird friendly garden area, it joyfully supports the local ecosystems. The intermingling of birds and garden surroundings adds a feast for the eyes.
The vine is capable of growing on many surfaces, including on the bark of tree trunks and on trellises. It can be tamed to grow on the arbours in people’s gardens to provide a leafy, green, and shaded tunnel that can become the centerpiece of one’s yard. It stays green in the growing season, and in fall, it finishes off the season with eye-catching red berries. Before the berries are formed, the vine is decorated with tiny and delicate greenish-white flowers that contribute to the overall showiness of the vines.
Cultivation and Care
Even though this is a low-maintenance plant, it is still very easy to grow because it is very adaptable to many types of conditions. It can grow in areas of complete sun or areas where it is shaded a little. It likes well-drained soil the best, but it is not that picky about what kind it is. It is also very drought tolerant, and because of this, it requires little care after it has been established.
This vine can also become aggressive if it's growing too fast and spreading too quickly. Be ready to prune it every year so it can stay where you want it. It's good to get to know the vine and manage the growth so it doesn't become too much. Make a plan so it doesn't get tangled with other less aggressive plants. It's good to learn the features of the rest of the plants so it can be used for an interesting garden design.
Having children and pets around the garden also is also something you should know about. Also know that although birds love the berries and they're safe to eat for them, they're bad for small kids and pets and make them sick.
Complementary Plants for a Naturalistic Garden
More garden designs can be made by using other plants that create nice pairings with the Carolina snailseed.
- Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) is a strong growing vine that is also a native. It gets the attention of hummingbirds and has pretty trumpet shaped flowers. It contrasts the flowers well with the green plants and does beautiful garden designs.
- Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia): Vine that turns red in the fall. Beautifully complements the red berries of Carolina Snailseed. Both can be planted together to craft a red and green fall masterpiece.
- American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana): Produces unique golden and magenta clusters of berries that stick to the branches throughout winter. The snailseeds lilac and then teal fall leaves along with its climbing habits will add vertical interest and color to snake limbs.
- Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): The broad foliage of snailseed vine will be great paired with the soft textured architecture of ornamental grasses. The grass will be complimented with soft airy heads that will quint to add vertical movement to the planting.
Using the above plants together can create a long lasting beauty with flowers from spring to fall. You can also help the pollinators by planting a habitat.
Your Garden Starts Here
Over time, designing the perfect garden becomes an adventure. The perfect plants to decorate your garden can range from an attractive flowering shrub, a vigorous vine Carolina snailseed, to an elegant tree for shade. The first step in creating a garden that's both thriving and spectacular is determining where to find high quality large plants and flowers.
To help make your garden a reality, TN Nursery has a large variety of native plants, perennials, trees, and shrubs. To see the best plants that can florish in your landscaping, check out our online catalog.
FAQs
How to eradicate Carolina snailseed?
It can be a difficult, challenging task. Due to the large, deep, tuberous roots of Carolina snailseed, the best way to get rid of it is to completely dig out its roots and structure. For regrowth, it is best to use a systemic herbicide directly on the cut stems so it can reach the roots, but be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Do birds eat Carolina snailseed?
Yes, birds are attracted to Carolina snailseed. The red berries appear in the fall, providing a food source for numerous native birds, such as the northern mockingbird, northern cardinal, as well as waxwings, which tend to socialize and feast in large groups.
What is Carolina moonseed used for?
Carolina moonseed, also known as Carolina snailseed, is primarily used for ornamental landscaping and a decorative climbing vine. It’s great for organically covering fences, trellises, arbors, and walls for an added rustic look. It is placed in gardens to attract birds and is also used to beautify the site.
Does Carolina snailseed have thorns?
No, Carolina snailseed doesn’t have thorns. It is a smooth, woody vine that climbs by twining its stems around the support they are climbing. It is easier to handle and prune than a climbing plant that has thorns, such as some types of roses and smilax, and this is also true for Carolina snailseed.
How do I get rid of snails permanently?
This is a different kind of snail! To get rid of snails and slugs permanently in gardens, use all three methods. Set up a beer trap, and introduce birds and toads, your natural predators. Keep the garden clutter-free and get rid of the debris hiding places, and use pet-safe iron phosphate baits for recurring infestations.
Is Carolina snailseed poisonous to dogs?
Yes. Carolina snailseed, especially the red berries, is all poisonous to dogs, cats, and all other mammals if they get a hold of the berries. It can cause stomach trouble. People with pets that like to chew on plants should be on the safe side of things.
