Carolina Coralbead
Cocculus carolinus
Varieties We Bring In
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.
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. Starting at $7.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Clay, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
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.
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.
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
Climbing Aster
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Cross Vine
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Basswood
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Bluestar
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Chinese Snowball
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Golden Alexanders
Shares 5 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Carolina Coralbead a good plant for St. Augustine?
Carolina Coralbead is a vine for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 15-20 feet (can exceed 5 m / 16 ft) × 6-10 feet.
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.