// SPECIES PROFILE · ANNUAL · NATIVE

Ozark melon

Cucurbita pepo var. ozarkana

Ozark melon (Cucurbita pepo var. ozarkana) is a annual in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO. Hardy in zones 5a–8a. Mature size 4'–10'. Blooms Jun–Nov.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: annual
Native range: Native to 26 U.S. states, including AK, AR, CA, CT, GA, IL…
USDA hardiness: Zones 5a–8a
Mature size: 4'–10'
Sun: —
Water: —
Bloom: Jun–Nov
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Ozark melon (Cucurbita pepo var. ozarkana) — *Cucurbita pepo var. ozarkana* — Ozark melon. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) Георгий Виноградов (Georgy Vinogradov), some rights reserved (CC BY).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Ozark melon (Cucurbita pepo var. ozarkana) is a annual in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO. Hardy in zones 5a–8a. Mature size 4'–10'. Blooms Jun–Nov.

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, ozark melon pairs naturally with: Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Devil's beggartick (Bidens frondosa), Two-headed water-starwort (Callitriche heterophylla), Two-headed water-starwort (Callitriche heterophylla ssp. heterophylla).