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Bur-cucumber

Sicyos angulatus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Bur-cucumber (Sicyos angulatus)
Photo: Ken Kneidel / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Toxicity unknown

Bur-cucumber (Sicyos angulatus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

60"–240" H × 24"–120" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, GA and 31 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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 445 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 Great PlainsGreat PlainsCross TimbersEdwards PlateauTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Bur-cucumber is a fast-growing annual vine that can reach up to 20 feet in length during a single growing season. It produces small white flowers from summer through early fall, followed by distinctive spiny seed pods that give the plant its common name.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Aggressive spreading habit
  • Spiky fruits create mess and stick to people/pets
  • Can look weedy and unkempt

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and beetles during its extended blooming period from June through September. The seeds provide food for birds later in the season.

Common questions

How much sun does Bur-cucumber need?
Bur-cucumber grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Bur-cucumber bloom?
Bur-cucumber blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Bur-cucumber native?
Bur-cucumber (Sicyos angulatus) is native to AL, AR, CT, GA and 31 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Bur-cucumber attract?
Bur-cucumber draws bees and beetles.
Is Bur-cucumber HOA-friendly?
Bur-cucumber 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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