Plant types

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Planting conditions

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Nurseries & Gardens

Photo by Curtis Clark

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Buffalo Gourd

Scientific Name: Cucurbita foetidissima

Also Known As

Calabazilla
Coyote Gourd
Missouri Gourd
Stinking Gourd

Plant type

perennial, vine, fruit / vegetable

size

H: 1'-2'
W: 15'

planting zones

5a-10b

Buffalo Gourd plant details

Buffalo Gourd is a broadleaf deciduous perennial fruit / vegetable or vine with green foliage. In summer orange flowers emerge followed by green fruit. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, lean, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Buffalo Gourd

Plant type: perennial fruit / vegetable or vine
Plant family: cucurbitaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 15 FT - 20 - wide, 1 FT - 2 FT - tall
Flowers: orange blooms in summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Buffalo Gourd

USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low

Soil needs: average, lean, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

With rich, orangey yellow flowers against a backdrop of bold, blue green leaves, it’s easy to separate this nifty CA native gourd from the hoards of other miscellaneous Cucurbits that frequent the veggie beds. Here, ornament trumps edibility (the fruits are edible when young, but not delicious) so the appeal is the gorgeous foliage & it’s very handsome & symmetric pattern of growth. Large & sprawling, (from 15-20’ wide & around 1-2’ tall. It’s best appreciated in a situation where it can roam a little. Dry hillsides with crummy soil? No prob. Goes deciduous after fruiting, late in Fall & dies back to a large underground tuber. The “Buffalo Gourd” is native to Southern California, with a range that extends throughout the Southwest. Plant with Daturas a drama-under-neglect duet.