Fauna
Plant

Nephroia Carolina

Cocculus carolinus

Also known as Snailseed, Carolina Moonseed, Margil's Vine, Coral Snailseed

Carolina coralbead is a twining woody vine famed for its brilliant clusters of scarlet drupes that persist late into autumn and winter. The vine climbs fence lines, thickets, and forest edges by twining slender green stems around supporting vegetation. Inside each glossy red berry lies a uniquely curved, laterally flattened seed resembling a miniature snail shell or crescent moon.

Climbing VineRed BerriesNative Flora
Nephroia Carolina reference
Wikimedia Commons / Public domain · cc0
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthetic)
ThreatsHabitat clearance and indiscriminate herbicide spraying along rights-of-way
HabitatsWoodland edges, thickets, stream banks, fencerows, and disturbed areas
Life span10–25 years
Classification
  1. OrderRanunculales
  2. FamilyMenispermaceae
  3. GenusCocculus
  4. SpeciesCocculus carolinus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Berries contain toxic alkaloids; wild berries have toxic look-alikes, so never ingest based on app identification alone.
Why it is dangerous
Contains toxic isoquinoline alkaloids that can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, and abdominal cramping if swallowed.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for twining vine stems with variably lobed deltoid leaves, bright red pea-sized winter berries, and snail-shaped seeds.
What to do
Admire the ornamental fruits from a safe distance; keep berries away from small children and pets.
Responsible observation
  • Winter Identification: Look for dense dangling clusters of bright translucent red berries remaining after leaves have dropped.
  • Seed Check: Gently examine a fallen fruit's inner woody stone to spot the distinct snail-shell indentation.
Related species
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