Buffalo Gourd
Cucurbita foetidissima
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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 |
10-20' × 10-20' |
| Flowering Season | May-August |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Minimum Temperature Range | 0 degrees |
| Leaf Description | Sharply pointed triangles with a sandpapery texture |
| Fruit | A seed filled, melon-like fruit |
| View on SEINet | View SEINet Entry |
| Range Map | View SEINet Range Map |
| Elevation Range | 1000-7000 ft. |
| Description | Buffalo gourd has a similar growth habit to its close relative, coyote gourd, but is strongly differentiated in other way. Instead of a palmately lobed leaf, the foliage takes the form of large triangular leaves, and if crushed they emit a malodorous fragrance. Flowers will be yellow and bell shaped, fruits look like small melons. This plant can form relatively extensive patches and can be found across much of the state. This species will work in fairly high elevation gardens, it will retreat to its large tuber at the first sign of frost and regrow from that tuber as temperatures rise. |
