How much sun does Balsam Gourd need?

Balsam Gourd grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Balsam Gourd bloom?

Balsam Gourd blooms in March, April, May, June, July, and August.

Where is Balsam Gourd native?

Balsam Gourd (Ibervillea lindheimeri) is native to NM, OK, TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Balsam Gourd attract?

Balsam Gourd draws nectar insects.

Is Balsam Gourd HOA-friendly?

Balsam Gourd takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Balsam Gourd

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ibervillea lindheimeri

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

72"–240" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

NM, OK, TX

Pollinators

nectar insects

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain

Balsam Gourd is a native Texas vine that grows 6-20 feet tall with small white to yellow flowers blooming from spring through summer. This drought-tolerant climber goes dormant in winter and produces small gourd-like fruits that wildlife enjoy.

In an HOA neighborhood

Balsam Gourd takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Requires support structure
Can appear messy

Wildlife value

The long blooming period from March through August provides nectar for various insects including bees and butterflies. Birds and small mammals eat the small fruits that develop after flowering.

Common questions

How much sun does Balsam Gourd need?: Balsam Gourd grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Balsam Gourd bloom?: Balsam Gourd blooms in March, April, May, June, July, and August.
Where is Balsam Gourd native?: Balsam Gourd (Ibervillea lindheimeri) is native to NM, OK, TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Balsam Gourd attract?: Balsam Gourd draws nectar insects.
Is Balsam Gourd HOA-friendly?: Balsam Gourd takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Balsam Gourd? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz