Buffalogourd
Buffalogourd
Cucurbita foetidissima Kunth.
Cucurbitaceae (Squash Family)
▲ young stems emerging from tuberous root in late spring
▲ large, mature plant
▲ stems and leaves and flower
▲ male flower (blooming, center) and bud for female flower (lower right)
▲ fruit
Buffalogourd:
- midwest native perennial plant found more in dryer, rocky soils
- produces annual vines that grow 3-10 feet or more long from large perennial tuberous root
- leaves are thick, covered with short hairs, and emit a disagreeable odor if bruised
- flowers are monoecious, yellow-orange, 21-4 inches across
- fruit is globe-shaped, 3-4 inches diameter, covered with dark and lighter green stripes when young
- fruit surface turns yellow and hardens when mature