Echinocystis, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
wild cucumber
SunFull Sun – Part Shade
WaterMedium
Overview
Echinocystis is a genus in the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae, with a single species, E. lobata, known as wild cucumber or balsam apple. It is a fast-growing annual climbing vine native to North America. From a single taproot, slender, grooved stems climb 5-8 m (16-26 ft) in one season by means of branched, coiling tendrils. The alternate, palmately lobed leaves have three to seven pointed lobes and resemble maple leaves, 5-10 cm (2-4 in) across. Plants bear separate male and female flowers on the same vine: small, star-shaped, greenish-white flowers with six narrow petals, the males in long upright sprays and the females single at the leaf axils. The fruit is an oval, inflated, soft-spined pod 3-5 cm (1.2-2 in) long that dries and splits at the base to release four dark seeds. Despite the common name, the fruit is bitter and not edible. The vine grows along streambanks, fence rows, thickets, and moist disturbed ground, and can smother low vegetation in a single season. In gardens it is grown as a quick annual screen on fences and trellises.
Native Range
Native to North America, widespread across southern Canada and much of the United States, and naturalised in parts of Europe. It grows along streambanks, in moist thickets, on fence rows, and in disturbed bottomland.Suggested Uses
Grown as a fast annual screen on fences, trellises, and arbors, and to cover plain structures within a season. Used in informal and wildlife plantings near water, where the flowers support pollinators.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height16' - 26'
Width/Spread3' - 7'
Bloom Information
Small star-shaped greenish-white flowers open from midsummer into early autumn, the males in upright sprays and the females single in the leaf axils. The flowers carry nectar and draw bees and other insects. Inflated spiny fruits develop through late summer and ripen in autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-9 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
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to part shade in moist, fertile soil, and favours damp ground near water. As an annual it is raised each year from seed sown in spring after frost, or it self-sows from fallen seed. Steady moisture supports rapid growth, and plants flag in dry soil. A tall, sturdy support is needed for the vigorous stems. The vine dies with the first hard frost and is cleared away at the end of the season.Pruning
Stems are thinned or shortened during the season to keep the vigorous growth within bounds. Spent vines are pulled and removed after frost. Removing developing fruit before seeds ripen limits self-sowing.Toxicity Warning
Toxic to humansPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
spring, after the last frost
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Plant Spacing
24 inches
