balloonvine
(Cardiospermum halicacabum L.)

Overview

Appearance

Cardiospermum halicacabum is a deciduous woody, perennial to annual vine native to Tropical America. The square stems are fast growing and can reach up to 10 ft. (3 m) long. The plants climb with forked tendrils.

Foliage

The compound leaves have large teeth and lobes on the leaflets that can reach 4 in. (10 cm) long.

Flowers

The small white flowers bloom from summer through the fall, flowers are not very showy.

Fruit

The fruit from which the plant gets its common name is balloon-like. They are green maturing to brown, thin-shelled, inflated, angled capsules up to 1.13 in. (3 cm) in diameter containing 3 black seeds each, with a white heart-shaped scar.

Ecological Threat

Cardiospermum halicacabum is a weed of disturbed ground, especially in wetland areas or riparian corridors. It has been introduced throughout the southern and southeastern United States.

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Alabama Noxious Weeds - Class C Noxious Weed
• Jil M. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007
• Kentucky Exotic Pest Plant Council - Significant Threat
• Maryland Code and Regulations Noxious Weed & Seed Law
• National Park Service, Mid-Atlantic Exotic Plant Management Team Invasive Plant List
• South Carolina Plant Pest List
• Texas Noxious Weeds
• WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States

References