Melon
Cucumis melo
Last reviewed: June 2026
Melon (Cucumis melo) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org, 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
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 24"–96" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
KY
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Cucumis melo is a sprawling annual vine that produces edible melons and requires full sun with regular watering. This crop plant spreads widely across the ground and produces yellow flowers throughout the summer months before fruiting.
In an HOA neighborhood
Melon 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.
- Vegetable crop appearance inappropriate for ornamental landscaping
- Large sprawling growth habit looks uncontrolled
- Dies back completely as annual leaving bare ground
Wildlife value
The summer blooms attract bees and beetles, providing nectar during the growing season.
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.
Does Melon fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.