Vermont Shrubs and Woody Vines 83 



MOONSEED FAMILY. MENISPERMACEAE 



MOONSEED. Menispermiim canadense L. 



The moonseed is the only native representative of its family. 

 It is a slender, perennial, twining vine, somewhat woody below 

 but herbaceous above, which occurs occasionally climbing- over 

 shrubs on the banks of streams and in low thickets. It is 



Moonseed, X %. 



easily recognized by its leaf which is rather large, four to six 

 inches across, of unusual shape and veining as shown in the 

 drawing, the petiole is attached just within the margin and 

 the under side is paler and strongly veined. The flowers and 

 fruits are rather inconspicuous. This is sometimes used for 

 ornamental planting and the roots are reputed to possess 

 medicinal virtues. 



