Canada moonseed

plant

Also known as: Menispermum canadense, yellow parilla

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Last updated

June 22, 2026

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Canada moonseed, also known as yellow parilla (Menispermum canadense), is a woody vine native to eastern North America. It is characterized by large, oval, lobed leaves, small white or greenish-white flowers, and black, grapelike fruits. The seeds of the Canada moonseed are crescent-shaped and can be poisonous, potentially causing curare-like poisoning. This genus, Menispermum, includes three species found in East Asia, North America, and Mexico.12

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moonseed
The North American species, Canada moonseed, or yellow parilla (M. canadense), with lobed leaves and greenish-white flowers, bears black, grapelike fruit with crescent-shaped seeds. M. dauricum, from East Asia, and M. mexicanum, from Mexico, have similar properties. In particular, the seeds of all these species may cause a curare-like…
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The North American species, Canada moonseed, or yellow parilla (M. canadense), with lobed leaves and greenish-white flowers, bears black, grapelike fruit with crescent-shaped seeds. M. dauricum, from East Asia, and M. mexicanum, from Mexico, have similar properties. In particular, the seeds of all these species may cause a curare-like…
Read More