Missouri Gourd
Cucurbita foetidissima
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
iNaturalist: © vreinkymov (iNaturalist #189625659)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cucurbitaceae
- Genus:
- Cucurbita
- Species:
- Cucurbita foetidissima
- USDA Symbol:
- CUFO
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Vine
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
- Food Forest:
- Contains edible parts
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★★★★★ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Glorious Squash Vine Borer (Melittia gloriosa), Melittia grandis, Snow's clearwing moth (Melittia snowi)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Xenoglossa pruinosa, Xenoglossa strenua Moths:Eichlinia snowii, Melittia grandis
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- poor, sandy, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid regions, drought-tolerant
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from scarification (nicking or sanding) followed by cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Native American Seed (nursery and seeds)
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)