Echinocystis lobata
Wild Cucumber
 
Wild cucumber, is a fast-growing, sprawling vine that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It can quickly cover fences, trellises, or any other structure you give it, making it a fantastic choice for adding vertical interest in your garden. The plant features lush, green foliage and produces small, white flowers in mid-summer that attract a variety of pollinators. The blooms are a bit modest but charming, with five petals that form a star-like shape, and they eventually give way to the spiky, cucumber-like fruit that gives the plant its common name.
 
Wild cucumber is a perfect candidate for gardeners looking to add greenery in areas where they need a bit of coverage or vertical beauty.
 
In terms of wildlife, Echinocystis lobata's foliage provides excellent cover for small mammals and birds. For example, the Eastern Gray Squirrel uses the vine for shelter, while its flowers and fruits attract a variety of insects, including the Monarch Butterfly during its migratory journey. The Northern Cardinal is another bird that may seek shelter in the vine, and the fruits, when they mature, offer a food source for smaller mammals like the Eastern Chipmunk, who are known to nibble on the spiky fruits. Wild cucumber plays its part in the intricate web of life in New England’s gardens and wild spaces.
 
Though the fruit may look tempting, the spiny fruit is not for eating!
 
Plants can be purchased in-person or online (with in-person pick-up).
All online orders will be ready for pick-up 24-72 hours after purchase. You will receive an email to let you know when your order is ready. We kindly ask that you pick-up any orders within one week of purchase.