Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > Is this plant a weed? > Broadleaf Weeds > Vining > Wild Cucumber
Wild Cucumber
Echinocystis lobata (Michx.) Torr. & Gray
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Found in:
- Moist rich soil in areas such as woodland edges, landscapes and thickets
Characteristics:
- Creeping or climbing annual vine that grows to 25’
- Twining stems are often grooved and angled
- Bright green plants climb on surrounding vegetation
- Leaves are Maple leaf-shaped and sandpapery with a heart-shaped base
- Long, curly, branched tendril is opposite the leaf
- Flowers are white to greenish yellow or yellowish green
- Fruit is covered with sharp spines and contains 4 seeds
Significance
- Weedy plant that spreads by seed
- Alternate host plant for cucurbit (cucumber, squash) crop diseases and Prunus viruses
