Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cucurbitaceae

Genus:

Cucurbita

Species:

Cucurbita palmata

USDA Symbol:

CUPA

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb , Vine

Height:

30 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

yellow, orange

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

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

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Reported Fauna Sightings

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, small mammals

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Native to desert washes and can resprout from large perennial root after disturbance including fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to arid desert regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

7–14 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily in warm soil temperatures above 70°F. Direct sow after frost danger passes.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI