[3] The compound leaves of V. caroliniana are alternately arranged and the subalternate elliptical to lanceolate leaflets have hairy undersides.

[5] The leaves have paired stipules at their bases and terminate in single or bifurcated tendrils.

[6] V. caroliniana produces dehiscent seed pods 1.5 to 3 centimetres (0.59 to 1.18 in) long.

[3] Native peoples of southeastern North America,[3] including the Cherokee, use this plant for a variety of medicinal purposes.

They also use a compound for rheumatism, for an affliction called "blacks", and it is taken for wind before a ball game.