Echinocystis lobata

Common Name: 
wild cucumber, balsam apple
Scientific Name: 
Echinocystis lobata (Michx.) T. & G.
Family Name: 
Cucurbitaceae - Gourd Family
Identification Notes
Life Cycle
native annual, reproducing by seed
Stems
grows as vine, smooth, grooved, corkscrew tendrils, sometimes with hairy nodes
Stems of Wild Cucumber
Stems of Wild Cucumber
Stems of Wild Cucumber
Stems of Wild Cucumber
Leaves
alternate, 5-7 strongly-pointed lobes, small toothed margins
Leaves of Wild Cucumber
Leaves of Wild Cucumber
Flowers
6-petaled, yellowish-white; stalked axillary racemes
Flowers of Wild Cucumber
Flowers of Wild Cucumber
Fruit
pulpy, sharp-pointed spines, spines bendable, 4-seeded
Fruit of Wild Cucumber
Fruit of Wild Cucumber
Fruit of Wild Cucumber
Fruit of Wild Cucumber