Bur-cucumber
Sicyos angulatus
Last reviewed: July 2026
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
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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 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 Bur-cucumber? 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