Cucumber
Cucumis sativus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) 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"–72" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
GA
Pollinators
bees
Cucumber is an annual vegetable vine that produces edible fruits throughout the summer months. This climbing plant requires support structures and regular watering to thrive. It produces small yellow flowers that attract beneficial pollinators before developing the familiar green cucumbers.
In an HOA neighborhood
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.
- Vegetable crops typically not allowed in front yards
- Vining growth habit can appear unkempt
- Requires trellising or support structures
Wildlife value
The bright yellow flowers provide nectar for bees and other beneficial insects during summer months. However, as a non-native vegetable crop, it offers limited long-term wildlife habitat value.
Common questions
- How much sun does Cucumber need?
- Cucumber grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Cucumber bloom?
- Cucumber blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Cucumber native?
- Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is native to GA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Cucumber toxic to dogs?
- Cucumber is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Cucumber toxic to cats?
- Cucumber is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Cucumber attract?
- Cucumber draws bees.
- Is Cucumber HOA-friendly?
- 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 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