Bitter Bottle Gourd
Cucurbita pepo
Last reviewed: June 2026
Bitter Bottle Gourd (Cucurbita pepo) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
12"–60" H × 24"–96" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
NH
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Bitter bottle gourd is a vigorous annual vine that produces large, sprawling growth and distinctive gourd fruits. This climbing plant requires strong support structures and produces yellow flowers throughout the summer months before developing its characteristic bottle-shaped fruits.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bitter Bottle Gourd takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely large and sprawling growth habit
- Produces conspicuous gourd fruits
- Requires extensive trellising or support structures
Wildlife value
The large yellow flowers attract bees and beetles during the long blooming period from June through September. The sprawling vine structure can provide temporary shelter for small wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Bitter Bottle Gourd need?
- Bitter Bottle Gourd grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Bitter Bottle Gourd bloom?
- Bitter Bottle Gourd blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Bitter Bottle Gourd native?
- Bitter Bottle Gourd (Cucurbita pepo) is native to NH, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Bitter Bottle Gourd toxic to dogs?
- Bitter Bottle Gourd is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Bitter Bottle Gourd toxic to cats?
- Bitter Bottle Gourd is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Bitter Bottle Gourd attract?
- Bitter Bottle Gourd draws bees and beetles.
- Is Bitter Bottle Gourd HOA-friendly?
- Bitter Bottle 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 Bitter Bottle Gourd? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz