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.