Field Pumpkin

Cucurbita pepo

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Cucurbitaceae
Genus:
Cucurbita
Species:
Cucurbita pepo

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Vine
Height:
1-2 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may, sep, oct, nov
Bloom Colors:
yellow
Food Forest:
Plant contains edible parts
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Guam, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Palau, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Canada: Ontario, Quebec

Host Plant for Caterpillars

clandestine dart (Spaelotis clandestina), corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), cotton tipworm (Crocidosema plebejana), cucumber moth (Diaphania indica-complex), Light Brown Apple Moth (Epiphyas postvittana), melonworm moth (Diaphania hyalinata), pickleworm (Diaphania nitidalis), Squash vine borer (Melittia cucurbitae), stalk borer moth (Papaipema nebris), Virginia Tiger Moth (Spilosoma virginica)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus), American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus), Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Prefers fertile soils with organic matter