Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cucurbitaceae

Genus:

Cucurbita

Species:

Cucurbita okeechobeensis

USDA Symbol:

CUOK

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb , Vine

Height:

500 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to sandy soils near Lake Okeechobee

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

7–14 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions (70-85°F). Direct sow after last frost.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI