Chilicothe
ExplorePlants
Chilicothe
Marah macrocarpa
Chilicothe is a fun plant that grows long, twisting vines and big leaves. It loves to climb on other plants and can be found in sunny places. Its unique shape makes it look like it's having a party!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Chilicothe is a vigorous vine with large, deeply lobed, maple-like green leaves. It produces small, delicate creamy-white flowers and distinctive large, round, spiky green fruits that resemble a medieval weapon or a small sea mine.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCucurbitalesFamilyCucurbitaceaeGenusMarah
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Despite its name, wild cucumber, it's not safe to eat like a regular cucumber.
It can grow incredibly fast after winter rains, covering fences in just weeks!
Its underground root can weigh as much as a small refrigerator!
The fruit pops open when ripe, scattering its large seeds with a surprise!
Special abilities
Ability
Giant Root Storage
Chilicothe has a massive tuberous root that stores water and nutrients, helping it survive long, dry periods.
Ability
Climbing Champion
Chilicothe can quickly climb high using spiraling tendrils, helping it reach sunlight in dense vegetation.
Ability
Spiky Defense
Its fruits are covered in sharp spines that deter animals from easily eating the seeds inside.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 300-1000 cm
- Spread
- 200-500 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Early spring
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Moderate
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
Visits its small white flowers for nectar.
pollinates
Yellow-faced bumble bee
Bombus vosnesenskii
An important native pollinator of its early spring blooms.
eaten by
Mule deer
Odocoileus hemionus
May browse leaves, especially when other forage is scarce.
Traits
Climbing/Vine
Climbing or vine plants are characterized by a growth habit that allows them to ascend upwards by twining, tendrils, or adhesive roots.
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Also known as
Wild Cucumber
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Don't eat any part of the plant, as it can be harmful. Just enjoy looking at it!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Chilicothe?
300-1000 cm
How wide does Chilicothe spread?
200-500 cm
How big are the flowers on Chilicothe?
1-2.5 cm
When does Chilicothe bloom?
Early spring
Is Chilicothe edible?
No
Is Chilicothe toxic?
Moderate
What is Chilicothe's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Chilicothe pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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