Wild Cucumber

I saw this viny creature slowly taking over this summer covering shrubs and brambles with its large ivy-like leaves. I had no idea what it was, but it became clear that it was an fairly aggressive plant. My Dad informed me that it’s wild cucumber. Pat immediately wondered if there was something we could use it for. It’s not edible, but my sis had the idea to put the loofah-like insides in soap. I think we need a goat.

Observations:

• The hummingbirds love the white summer flowers.
• It makes a great screen for hiding <fill-in-the-blank>
• The cucumbers are easiest to find in fall after the leaves have frosted.

Echinocystis lobata, Wild Cucumber