Common Names: Buffalo Gourd, Calabazilla, Chilicote, Coyote Gourd, Fetid Gourd, Fetid Wild Pumpkin, Missouri Gourd, Prairie Gourd, Stinking Gourd, Wild Gourd, and Wild Pumpkin
Synonyms: Cucurbita foetidissima
Family: Cucurbitaceae (Cucumber)
Habit: perennial forb, herb
Size: Prostrate, up to 10 feet across
Flowers: yellow, orange
Bloom: Jun, Jul, Aug
Leaves: alternate
Fruit: gourd
Description:
Triangular, as long as 12 inches, growing along long, prostrate stems. Compare with Cucurbita palmata leaves, palmate with five long triangular points. The large, bell-like flowers, 2-4 inches long, are yellow to orange, 5-lobed at the opening, with stamens that have large anthers deep inside the throat.
The fruit is consumed by both humans and animals. The fresh young gourd can be eaten like squash. The mature fruit is no longer edible, due to bitter compounds. Seeds may be eaten after being prepared by roasting or boiling.
Distribution: central and southwestern United States and northern Mexico
Seen: NV (Corn Creek)
Habitat: open areas on plains and deserts
