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