Moonseed

Menispermum canadense L.

Other common names: Canada moonseed, menispermum, yellow parilla, Texas sarsaparilla, yellow sarsaparilla, vine maple.

Habitat and range: Moonseed is usually found along streams in woods climbing over bushes, its range extending from Canada to Georgia and Arkansas.

Description: This woody climber reaches a length of from 6 to 12 feet, the round, rather slender stem bearing very broad slender-stalked leaves which are from 4 to 8 inches wide, roundish in shape, an] resembling the leaves of some of the maples. In July the loose clusters of small, yellowish or greenish-white flowers are produced, followed in September by bunches of black 1-seeded fruit, covered with a bloom and very much resembling grapes.

Part used: The rootstock, collected in autumn.