« Back to main plant list

Buffalo Gourd

Cucurbita foetidissima

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.