Family: Menispermaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 340 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Menispermum
Vegetable: False
Observations: SC. & SE. Canada to NE. Mexico
Description
The Yellow Parilla, scientifically known as Menispermum canadense, is a captivating plant native to regions spanning Southern and Southeastern Canada to Northeastern Mexico. This extraordinary species belongs to the Menispermaceae family, a group renowned for its distinctive, often climber plants.
Menispermum canadense is recognized for its twining and vining nature, often found trailing through forests and woodlands. The plant boasts broad, lobed leaves that create striking foliage, making it a notable presence in its native habitat.
The nomenclature of this plant dates back to 1753, a testament to the longstanding recognition of its unique characteristics. The title attributed to the plant’s classification is published in “Sp. Pl.: 340,” establishing its place within the botanical literature with the author abbreviation “L.” denoting Carl Linnaeus, the revered botanist who formalized its name.
Yellow Parilla exhibits modest yet charming yellowish flowers that eventually give way to clusters of small drupes. These berries, while adding to the aesthetic appeal of the plant, are also significant to various wildlife species, offering nourishment and contributing to the ecological diversity of the regions it inhabits.
Ecologically, Menispermum canadense plays a vital role in its native environments, supporting a variety of insects and birds, and contributing to the overall health and stability of the ecosystem. Despite its beauty and ecological importance, it is essential to approach Yellow Parilla with respect, as parts of the plant can be toxic if ingested by humans or animals.
The Yellow Parilla remains a subject of interest not only for botanists but also for horticulturists and nature enthusiasts who appreciate the plant’s elegance and its role in supporting biodiversity. As a resilient and adaptive species, Menispermum canadense continues to thrive across a wide geographical range, embodying the intricate connections within our natural world.
Common Names
Eng: canadian moonseed, common moonseed, moonseed, yellow parilla, canada moonseed, moonseed vine
Deu: kanadischer mondsame
Swe: amerikansk månfröranka
Fra: ménisperme du canada
En: Yellow parilla, Moonseed, Common moonseed, Canadian Moonseed, Canada moonseed, Moonseed vine
Ar: بذر القمر الكندي
Et: Kanada kilplehik
Fi: Kanadankilpikierto
Fr: Ménisperme du Canada
De: Mondsame, Kanadischer Mondsame
Ru: Луносемянник канадский
Sv: Amerikansk månfröranka
Synonyms
- Menispermum canadense var. lobatum (Pursh)
- Otamplis vitifolia (Raf.)
- Menispermum dauricum var. mexicanum ((Rose) Kundu & S.Guha)
- Menispermum angulatum (Moench)
- Menispermum smilacinum (DC.)
- Menispermum mexicanum (Rose)
- Cissampelos smilacina (L.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken May 28, 2021 by michaela ryott (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Seth Morris (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 17, 2021 by Danny Kozicki (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 15, 2021 by Anne Rousseau (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 4, 2022 by Sabrina Johnston (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 28, 2022 by Mary Kingfishers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 12, 2019 by Michelle Corbett (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 25, 2015 by EOL − Milo Pyne (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 16, 2014 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 7, 2014 by EOL − James Mickley (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 28, 2014 by EOL − ggriffiths (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 19, 2013 by EOL − hobiecat (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Josh M (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 23, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 27, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 25, 2016 by EOL − owenclarkin (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 17, 2013 by EOL − Kyle Jones (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 9, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)
Other
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3033951)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:581040-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Menispermum canadense L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Vine