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Wild cucumber
Also known as: Prickly cucumber
Wild cucumber (Echinocystis lobata) is a sprawling, annual plant vine that grows wild across North America. Its vines can create a dense ground cover over large areas. Wild cucumber acts as a food source for many insect species and is susceptible to some bacterial plant diseases. Certain Native American tribes used to create beads out of the plant's seeds.
Scientific classification
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Toxic to Humans
Toxicity
Annual
Lifespan
20 m
Spread
Green, Blue
Leaf Color
8 cm to 14 cm
Flower Size
Green
Fruit Color
White, Green
Flower Color
Green
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Deciduous
Leaf type
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature

Images of Wild cucumber

Distribution of Wild cucumber

Distribution Map
Wild cucumber is primarily established in parts of North America, its native region. However, it has expanded to northern and central Europe as well as parts of western and central Asia. While regarded as invasive in areas of Europe and some Eurasian countries, wild cucumber is sometimes thought to be a disruptive presence, potentially affecting local ecosystems. The widely distributed nature of this plant emphasizes its resilience and adaptability to various climates.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Rich soils by streams, thickets
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Culture

Garden Use
You won’t often see wild cucumber deliberately cultivated in gardens; usually, it spreads from rural areas. However, it can be used as an ornamental vine and act as ground cover. Because it can strangle shrubs and spreads quickly, it is best kept away from other plants and trained to cover a pergola or low wall instead.
Symbolism
Chastity, Healing, Fertility
Name Story
Prickly cucumber||Wild cucumber: The genus name Echinocystis comes from the Greek echinos meaning hedgehog and cystis for bladder, describing the spiny fruit contextually. It is a native annual vine in the cucumber or gourd family, so it is called prickly cucumber. Furthermore, it is also called wild cucumber because it grows in the wild as well.
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Toxicity

Wild cucumber is a toxic plant, harmful to both cats and dogs when ingested in large amounts, causing symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy. Immediate veterinary care is essential if signs of poisoning are observed. The fruit is the primary risk, and both pets should be monitored to prevent access to these parts of the plant. Symptoms in humans include stomachache and burning. Keep close oversight to avoid accidental ingestion by foragers who might mistake it for a wild edible plant.
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Weed Control

Wild cucumber, known as Wild cucumber, originates from North America. This plant is considered a weed due to its rapid growth and ability to quickly take over an area, outcompeting other vegetation. The primary characteristics making it a weed include its swift germination, prolific seed production, and aggressive vine growth. It can become harmful to gardens as it envelopes and suffocates other plant species, depriving them of sunlight and nutrients. This unchecked growth can lead to damage and even death of other plants, impacting biodiversity and the overall health of a garden. The primary means by which wild cucumber spreads is through its seeds. Once mature, the plant's large, spiky fruit explodes, releasing seeds that are carried away by wind or water, ensuring that the species is widely dispersed over a broad area.
How to Control It
The optimal time to control wild cucumber is late spring or early summer, before the plant has a chance to flower and set seed. Here are some methods to handle this plant:
  1. Manual Weeding: Put on gloves and remove the plants manually. Be sure to pull out the roots to prevent re-growth.
  2. Smothering: Cover the affected area with a thick layer of newspaper or cardboard. Overlap the edges to prevent sunlight and air reaching the plants. Cover this layer with a thick layer of mulch. Leave it for at least one growing season and then remove.
  3. Biological control: Use specific insects or goats to feed on the wild cucumber. Take care to monitor the process to ensure the control agents do not become pests themselves.
  4. Solarization: Wet the soil and cover the area with a transparent plastic sheet during the hottest part of the year. The heat will kill the wild cucumber and its seeds.
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Care Guide for Wild cucumber

Twice per week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Garden Soil
Soil Type
Water: Wild cucumber thrives in moist environments similar to its native wetlands, preferring consistent moisture and tolerating minimal drought. Watering twice a week maintains hydration. As an outdoor plant near streams, it benefits from humidity, promoting vigorous growth during its active season.
Fertilize: For optimal growth, wild cucumber requires balanced nutrition fertilizer with higher nitrogen in early stages. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks, reducing in cooler months. Always water thoroughly after fertilizing to prevent nutrient burn, as over-fertilization can damage wild cucumber. Adhere to recommended amounts for best results.
Propagation: Wild cucumber propagates easily by sowing seeds in Spring, showing a high success rate. Signs of success include healthy seedlings emerging. It's crucial to keep the soil consistently moist during germination for optimal growth.
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