Coyote Gourd
Cucurbita digitata
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Details & Attributes
| Plant Type(s) | Vines |
| Native to Arizona | Yes! |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Sun | Full sun, partial shade |
| Pollinators | Bees |
| Has Spines | No |
| Size In relative feet, width by height |
4-8' × 4-8' |
| Flowering Season | June-October |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Minimum Temperature Range | 10 °F |
| Leaf Description | 5 pointed lobes with whitish veins |
| Fruit | A seed filled, melon-like fruit |
| View on SEINet | View SEINet Entry |
| Range Map | View SEINet Range Map |
| Elevation Range | 1000-5000 ft. |
| Description | While this species typically occurs in habitat as a vining groundcover, it can also be grown into trees, or even a trellis. Coyote gourd has 5 lobed leaves (think skeleton hands) and a small yellow bloom, reminiscent of squash (a close relative). The green spherical fruits look like small melons, and can be seen on the plant in late summer and early fall. Typically seen near sandy washes, or gravelly mesas so plant this species where its large tuber won't rot in the winter. This species will die back to the tuber and regrow when temperatures rise. |
