Echinocystis lobata

(Michx.) Torr. & A. Gray

Wild cucumber

Cucurbitaceae Edible: Caution 31,786 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Fast-growing annual vine reaching 8 m in length. Frost tender. Leafy May to October, flowers July to September. Monoecious, insect-pollinated, and self-fertile. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with preference for good drainage. Grows in mildly acid to basic soils. Requires full sun and prefers moist soil.

Description

A creeping herb or vine. It can grow 8 m long. Flowers are separately male or female on the same plant.

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Edible Uses

No edible uses are known.

Medicinal Uses

The pulverized root is used as a poultice for headaches. A very bitter tea brewed from the roots is analgesic and also used as a love potion. It is used as a bitter tonic for stomach troubles, kidney ailments, rheumatism, chills, and fevers.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It is damaged by frost. It needs to be in a sunny position.

Where It Grows

Canada, North America, Slovenia, USA,

Propagation

Sow seed in early spring in a rich compost in a greenhouse, placing 2–3 seeds per pot. Seed usually germinates within 1–2 weeks at 20°c. Thin to the strongest plant per pot, grow on quickly, and plant out after the last expected frosts. Provide protection such as a cloche until plants are growing away well.

Other Uses

The seeds have been used as beads.

Notes

It is used as medicine.

Synonyms

Echinocystis echinata (Muhl. ex Willd.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb.Echinocystis echinata Vassilcz.Hexameria echinata (Muhl. ex Willd.) Torr. & A.GrayMicrampelis echinata (Muhl. ex Willd.) Raf.Micrampelis lobata (Michx.) GreeneMomordica echinata Muhl. ex Willd.Sicyos lobatus Michx.