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Carolina Coralbead (Cocculus carolinus), Vine
Vine

Carolina Coralbead

Cocculus carolinus

Varieties We Bring In

PinkCocculus carolinus
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$7.95

Last received Jul 19, 2026.

We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.

Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.

LightFull Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade
WaterLow to Moderate
Mature size15-20 feet (can exceed 5 m / 16 ft) × 6-10 feet

Pet toxicity: not on file, check before planting where pets chew

Pet safety guide

About Carolina Coralbead

Snail Seed or Carolina Coralbead (Cocculus carolinus) is a native woody vine of the southeastern US, producing inconspicuous greenish flowers followed by clusters of bright glossy red berries that persist into winter. Its twining stems bear variable heart-shaped to lobed leaves and the distinctive crescent-shaped seeds give the plant its common name.

Plant details

Bloom Season
Spring, Summer
Flower Color
White
Growth Rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Soil
Sandy, Loam, Clay, Well-drained

Best planting months

Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL

Recommended months: March, April, May, September, October, November.

January, other month
February, other month
March, good window
April, good window
May, good window
June, other month
July, other month
August, other month
September, good window
October, good window
November, good window, this month
December, other month
This monthGood windowOther months

Seasonal care

Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.

Care essentials

Light

Tolerates full sun to part shade — adaptable across NE Florida landscapes. Best fruit display on plants receiving more sun. Can be trained on a trellis or allowed to scramble through shrubs at a woodland edge.

Water

Drought-tolerant once established in NE Florida's sandy soils; low to moderate water needs. Water regularly during establishment; thereafter, natural rainfall is generally sufficient except during prolonged dry periods.

Soil & Fertilizer

Grows in a wide range of soils — sandy, loam, and clay — common throughout NE Florida. No heavy feeding required; apply a light balanced fertilizer in spring if growth seems sluggish. This native vine is naturally adapted to Florida's soils.

Similar needs

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Common questions

Is Carolina Coralbead a good plant for St. Augustine?

Carolina Coralbead is a vine. Mature size: 15-20 feet (can exceed 5 m / 16 ft) × 6-10 feet. Light: Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade. Water needs: Low to Moderate. Carolina Coralbead is native to Florida. Recorded hardiness zone: 9a.

Care information verified from

Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.