Bur Cucumber (Sicyos angulatus)

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

Sicyos angulatus is a ANNUAL CLIMBER growing to 8 m (26ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - cooked. They can be cooked as greens. The fruit is said to be edible. Possibly the seed is edible but there is no flesh on the fruit, it is just a bristly skin around the seed. — They can be cooked as greens.; The fruit is said to be edible.; Possibly the seed is edible but there is no flesh on the fruit, it is just a bristly skin around the seed.; The fruit is about 1cm long and is borne in small clusters.

Habitat & North American Range

River banks and damp yards. (Zone 8)