Ecballium Species, Exploding Cucumber, Squirting Cucumber

Ecballiumelaterium

Family
Cucurbitaceae (koo-ker-bih-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Ecballium (ek-BAL-lee-um)
Species
elaterium (ee-lay-TER-ee-um)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Herbaceous
Height
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
Danger
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color
Bright Yellow
Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall
Late Fall/Early Winter
Other Details
Category
Groundcovers
Vines and Climbers
Water Requirements
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
Seed Collecting
Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Richmond, California

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Gardener's Notes:

0
positive
1
neutral
0
negative
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C
ROSLINDALE, MA | September 2016 | neutral

This is grown as a novelty. When ripe, the poisonous fruits squirt a stream of mucilaginous liquid containing the seeds.

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