Vines - Carolina Moonseed; Coral Vine
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  (January) I have recently added an arbor to my lawn and would like to start a (perennial) vine on it beginning in the spring. I would like something that blooms and I have seen a vine with small yellow flowers that I like but I don't know what it is. I also have a wisteria which never blooms so I don't think I want another one. What do you recommend and when should I plant?

  The yellow flowered vine is Carolina jasmine or jessamine. It is an evergreen vine which blooms profusely in the spring, provided it gets ample sunlight. It would be a good choice. To extend the bloom period you could also add some summer flowering trumpet honeysuckle, or sweet autumn clematis for fall flowering. There are other vines as well, and spring is often when the nurseries have a good supply.

  (July) Help! I am being over whelmed by two types of vines that have overtaken my yard and azaleas. Both vines have heart-shaped leaves. One has a woody-like trunk and produces red berries in the fall. The other produces a hard pod of seeds that blow away in the wind. I have tried "Round Up" for woody plants using a paint brush to control drift. The result has been limited. If you have suggestions I would appreciate them.

  I think your vines are Carolina moonseed with bright red berries in the fall, and one of the milkweeds, with large seed pods which mature, open and have white silky seeds inside. I actually like the Carolina moonseed, but some have found it invasive. Spot spray with Roundup, which will take more than one application. Be careful about what it touches. Pull out as much of both vines as you can, then spray what you can't get out. If you can find where it is growing into the ground, concentrate your sprays there. Good luck.

  What is the name of the enclosed vine that I have growing in my yard? It has broad leaves that are light green and it produces immense clusters of the brightest red berries. I know it must be a weed, but I consider it an ornamental with the bright berries. Is there a harm to keeping it? (Pine Bluff)

  The plant in question is commonly called a weed, but then remember the true definition of a weed -- a plant growing where it isn’t wanted. If you like it, start calling it a native vine. The plant is Carolina Moonseed, Cocculus carolinus. It is typically planted by the birds, and you will see errant red berries hanging out of shrubs or hedges, even when the leaves have fallen. I agree with you that it is quite attractive in berry. The vine and earlier flowers aren’t much, but they are more than made up for by the fruit, which persists well into winter.

  I have enclosed parts of a plant that has attacked my yard -- uninvited. Growing ever so fast, it first tried to kill my natural gas meter. Before it was time each month for my meter to be read, I would rush outside to make sure the gauges were visible. It is not an unattractive vine, so the first year I ignored it. Big mistake!! It is now attacking and (winning the battle) on a large bed of hydrangeas. I don’t know where this plant came from or how it got here. I sure don’t know what it is. I’d like to know what it is and how to kill it without damaging my shrubs. (Pine Bluff)

  The plant in question is commonly called coral vine or moonseed. This thornless vine remains green well into the winter, and produces clusters of bright red berries. It is a common weed throughout the state. Cut out as much of it as you can, and spray it with a glyphosate product, such as Round-up. Make sure that you pull out the vine from your hydrangeas, spraying only the parts away from the plant. Allow it to dry before you let the vine go back into the plants.

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