Great as a gift 🌸
Hedgehog Gourd
Cucumis dipsaceus · Cucurbitaceae
How it looks
The Hedgehog Gourd, a cucumber relative, is a vine with yellow bell-shaped flowers and rough palmate leaves. Its small round yellow-green fruit is densely covered with soft spines (hedgehog-like), which gives it its name. Vine length 3-7 ft (1-2 m).
Hedgehog Gourd is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. An occasional nibble is unlikely to cause any real trouble.
Guide for parents
While it is growing out in a garden bed, what overlaps with your cat is the leaves and stems; once it is harvested and kept indoors, that becomes the spot instead.
Trimmings dropped while you prepare it tend to stay on the floor, so clear them the same day. If you are keeping it whole, pick a place your cat does not climb onto.
Details
- Scientific name
- Cucumis dipsaceus
- Common name
- Hedgehog Gourd
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Also known as
Related plants
Same plant family· Cucurbitaceae
Other safe flowers
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