Cucurbita foetidissima
buffalo gourd
Southwestern United States and Mexico
Overview
Cucurbita foetidissima is a sprawling perennial vine in the gourd family, growing from a massive fleshy taproot that can reach several feet long and weigh many pounds. The rough trailing stems spread 10-20 feet (3-6 m) across the ground each year, rooting at the nodes. Large triangular gray-green leaves up to 12 inches (30 cm) long stand stiffly upright and give off a strong, unpleasant odor when touched, the source of the name. Bright yellow funnel-shaped flowers 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long open in the morning in summer; plants bear separate male and female flowers. Round green-and-white striped gourds 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) across follow, drying to hard yellow shells that hold many flat seeds. The plant grows on dry plains, sandy washes, roadsides, and disturbed ground across the southwestern United States and Mexico. It tolerates extreme heat and drought through its deep root but dies back to the ground each winter. The bitter, foul-smelling foliage and fruit deter most browsing animals, and the gourds are not edible raw.
Native Range
Native to the south-central and southwestern United States and northern Mexico, from Nebraska and California south through Texas into Mexico. It grows on dry plains, sandy washes, roadsides, and disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
Grown for erosion control on dry slopes and disturbed ground and in native and xeric plantings where its broad spread suits open space. The taproot and seeds have a history of use by Indigenous peoples for soap, oil, and food after processing.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread10' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Yellow funnel-shaped flowers open in the morning from June to August and close by midday. Male and female flowers are borne separately on the same plant. Round striped gourds follow and dry to hard yellow shells in fall.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight