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What Are Wild Cucumbers?

Rebecca Cartwright
Rebecca Cartwright

Wild cucumbers are members of either one of two plant groups with that common name. Both are natives of North America. Members of the Marah genus, collectively called wild cucumbers, are found on the west coast from British Columbia south through California and nearby states. Echinocystis lobata is found in all Canadian provinces and most US states outside of California. Both plants are members of the Cucubitceae, or cucumber, family, with climbing vines and spiny fruits that resemble those of garden cucumbers but are not edible.

Species in the Marah genus, the wild cucumbers found on the West coast of North America, are perennial vines that grow from a very large underground tuber. These tubers can weigh up to 100 pounds (45.5 kg) in some species and are the source of the alternate common name, "manroot." These wild cucumbers are found primarily in dry regions including Nevada, New Mexico and Arizona. They generally grow below 6,000 feet (about 1,829 m) in elevation.

Wild cucumbers are found on the west coast of British Columbia.
Wild cucumbers are found on the west coast of British Columbia.

Wild cucumbers of this genus are climbing vines that use twining tendrils to climb over shrubbery and trees. The leaves are large, with five to seven lobes, or rounded divisions, which are subdivided by smaller lobes. Small cup-shaped white flowers have five petals each. The fruits are round to oval-shaped and range from 1.5 to 8 inches (about 4 to 20 cm) depending on species and growing conditions. Sharp spines cover the fruits, which split and spill the seeds when ripe.

Echinocystis lobata, the other species of wild cucumber, is found throughout Canada and in most of the United States except California, Nevada and states in the Southeast. Alternate common names include wild mock cucumber, prickly cucumber and wild balsam apple. This species of wild cucumber grows most readily in areas of high soil moisture including swamps and along rivers as well as in shrub lands and forests with sufficient rainfall.

These wild cucumbers are annual vines and, like those from the Marah genus, tend to climb shrubbery and trees. They have thick stems and large star-shaped leaves with five divisions. Small white six-petaled flowers grow in groups along the vine. Female flowers are slightly larger and interspersed with the more numerous male flowers. The green, round fruits are 1 to 2 inches (about 2.5 to 5 cm) long and are thickly covered with spines. When ripe the fruits open and expel the four hard, dry seeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are wild cucumbers?

Wild cucumbers, also known as Echinocystis lobata, are fast-growing, annual vines native to North America. Unlike the cultivated cucumbers in your salad, these are not edible and are primarily valued for their ornamental appearance. They produce spiky fruit and lush foliage, often found climbing over fences and other plants in the wild.

Can you eat wild cucumbers?

No, wild cucumbers are not edible. While they may resemble the cucumbers found in grocery stores, they contain cucurbitacin, a compound that is bitter and can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested. It's important to distinguish between the two to avoid any accidental poisoning.

How do wild cucumbers differ from regular cucumbers?

Wild cucumbers differ from the cultivated varieties in several ways. They are more bitter due to high levels of cucurbitacin, making them inedible. Their growth habit is more aggressive, and they can quickly take over areas if not managed. Additionally, their fruit is spiky and not smooth like regular cucumbers.

Where can you typically find wild cucumbers growing?

Wild cucumbers are commonly found throughout North America, particularly in the United States and southern Canada. They thrive in a variety of habitats, including along roadsides, in open fields, and near streams. They prefer sunny locations with rich, well-drained soil and can often be seen climbing over other vegetation.

Are wild cucumbers beneficial to the ecosystem?

Yes, wild cucumbers can be beneficial to the ecosystem. They provide cover for small animals and their flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. However, they can also become invasive and outcompete native plants for resources, so it's important to manage their growth in sensitive ecological areas.

How can you control the spread of wild cucumbers?

To control the spread of wild cucumbers, it's essential to remove the vines before they set seed. This can be done by hand-pulling or cutting the vines down. For larger infestations, herbicides may be used, but it's crucial to follow environmental guidelines to avoid harming non-target species and the surrounding ecosystem.

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    • Wild cucumbers are found on the west coast of British Columbia.
      By: Iryna Volina
      Wild cucumbers are found on the west coast of British Columbia.