// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Stinking gourd

Cucurbita foetidissima

Stinking gourd (Cucurbita foetidissima) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–11b. Blooms Jun–Aug.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: perennial
Native range: Native to 21 U.S. states, including AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, IA…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2a–11b
Mature size: —
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: Jun–Aug
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Stinking gourd (Cucurbita foetidissima) — *Cucurbita foetidissima* — Stinking gourd. Photo by Photographs: Up, from left to right: Paigeblue08, Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble, "Photography by Curtis Clark", "Copyright by Curtis Clark". Middle: Paigeblue08. Bottom left: CharleBernardo. Bottom right: Paigeblue08. Montage by RoRo via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Stinking gourd (Cucurbita foetidissima) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–11b. Blooms Jun–Aug. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, stinking gourd pairs naturally with: Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina), Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale), Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana).