Wild Cucumber (Echinocystis lobata)

Family: Cucurbitaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Rich soils by streams. Thickets. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)