Wild Cucumber
Echinocystis lobata
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Basic Information
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Genus: echinocystis
Plant ID (slug): echinocystis-lobata
Numeric ID: 565
USDA Hardiness: Coming soon
Ratings
Physical Characteristics
Echinocystis lobata is a ANNUAL growing to 8 m (26ft 3in) at a fast rate. It is frost tender. It is in leaf from May to October, in flower from July to September. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Distribution
Eastern N. America - Saskatchewan and southwards.
Habitats
Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
None known
Medicinal Uses
Analgesic Aphrodisiac Poultice Tonic The pulverized root is used as a poultice for headaches. A very bitter tea brewed from the roots is analgesic and is also used as a love potion. It is used as a bitter tonic for alleviating stomach troubles, kidney ailments, rheumatism, chills, fevers etc.
Known Hazards
None known
Detailed Information
Additional Information
Title: Echinocystis lobata Wild Cucumber PFAF Plant Database
Meta Description: Echinocystis lobata is a ANNUAL growing to 8 m (26ft 3in) at a fast rate. It is frost tender. It is in leaf from May to October, in flower from July to September. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.