Carolina spinypod

Plant Type

Vine

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

6-12 ft. tall
3-6 ft. wide

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed

Plant Planting Notes

Provide vertical support that allows the vine to twine around and grow upward.

Plants/Diseases

No significant disease or pest issues.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects

Leaves

Leaves opposite, cordate with entire margins.

Flowers

Brownish purple, star-shaped with five petals.

Fruit

Spiny, milkweed-like pods with brown seeds attached to fine filaments to distribute by wind.

Toxicity

Unknown.

USDA Hardiness Zones

6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Xeric to mesic nutrient rich forests.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Rare in the South Carolina coastal plain and sandhills. Common in the piedmont. Rare in the mountains.