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Description
Sicyos Angulatus, commonly known as one-seeded bur cucumber, is a perennial vine that belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. It is native to North America and can be found in many regions of the United States and Canada. The plant produces small, greenish-white flowers that bloom in the summer and early fall. Its fruit is a small, spiny bur that contains a single seed.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Dicotyledonae |
| Order | Cucurbitales |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Genus | Sicyos |
Appearance
The leaves of Sicyos Angulatus are alternate, simple, and palmately lobed with toothed margins. They are light green in color and up to 6 inches in width. The stem of the plant is long and slender, growing up to 10 feet in length. The flowers are small and greenish-white, while the fruit is a small, spiny bur that contains a single seed. The plant can be grown as a ground cover or trained to climb a trellis.
Care Guide
Sicyos Angulatus is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, making sure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant grows best in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Sicyos Angulatus is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sicyos Angulatus is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and spider mites. It is recommended to keep the plant well-ventilated and to avoid overhead watering to prevent these issues.
Habitat
Sicyos Angulatus is native to North America and can be found in many regions of the United States and Canada. It grows in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, fields, and along roadsides and streams.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Sicyos Angulatus toxic to humans?
A: No, the plant is not toxic to humans.
Q: Can Sicyos Angulatus be grown indoors?
A: It is not recommended to grow Sicyos Angulatus indoors as it requires full sun and can quickly outgrow its container.
Q: How often should Sicyos Angulatus be fertilized?
A: The plant should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Q: How tall can Sicyos Angulatus grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 10 feet in length.
Related Plants
- Sicyos Pachycarpus
- Sicyos Barbatus
- Sicyos Perennis
References
- “Sicyos Angulatus.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c650.
- “One-Seed Bur Cucumber.” USDA Forest Service, www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/sicyos_angulatus.shtml.
- “Sicyos Angulatus.” Illinois Wildflowers, www.illinoiswildflowers.info/savanna/plants/bur_cucumber.htm.
