Squash
ExplorePlants
Squash
Cucurbita pepo
Squash are colorful vegetables that grow on vines. They come in different shapes and sizes, like round, long, or even with bumps on the skin.
Habitat: Gardens
Appearance
The Squash plant has broad, lobed leaves that often form a dense canopy, with robust vines that can spread widely. Its distinctive large, bell-shaped yellow or orange flowers give way to fruits that vary greatly in size, shape, and color, from elongated green zucchini to round orange pumpkins.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCucurbitalesFamilyCucurbitaceaeGenusCucurbita
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Ancient civilizations planted squash with corn and beans, a clever farming team called the 'Three Sisters'!
Some giant squash can grow to be hundreds of pounds, needing special lifts to move them!
Squash flowers are edible too, and taste great when lightly fried as a special treat!
The word 'squash' comes from a Native American word meaning 'eaten raw or uncooked'!
Special abilities
Ability
Climbing Grip
Squash plants have spiraling tendrils that help them cling to supports and climb high for more sunlight.
Ability
Shade Makers
Squash plants have very large leaves that shade the soil, keeping it cool and reducing water evaporation.
Ability
Armored Fruit
Some squash develop thick, tough rinds that protect their seeds and allow them to store for months.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-300 cm
- Spread
- 100-500 cm
- Flower Size
- 5-15 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer-fall
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
Visits squash flowers for nectar and pollen.
eats
Squash bug
Anasa tristis
Feeds on the sap from squash leaves and stems.
eats
Squash vine borer
Melittia cucurbitae
Larvae tunnel into the plant's main stem, weakening it.
depends on
Human
Homo sapiens
Cultivates various squash types as a food crop.
Traits
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Fruit Bearing
Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
Courgette
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always have an adult help you when handling or cutting squash.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Squash?
30-300 cm
How wide does Squash spread?
100-500 cm
How big are the flowers on Squash?
5-15 cm
When does Squash bloom?
Summer-fall
Is Squash edible?
Yes
Is Squash toxic?
None
What is Squash's lifecycle?
Annual
How is Squash pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
.jpg&width=800)
.jpg&width=800)
