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Hedgehog Gourd
Cucumis dipsaceus · Cucurbitaceae
How it looks
The Hedgehog Gourd, a cucumber relative, is a vine with yellow bell-shaped flowers and rough palmate leaves. Its small round yellow-green fruit is densely covered with soft spines (hedgehog-like), which gives it its name. Vine length 3-7 ft (1-2 m).
Hedgehog Gourd is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. An occasional nibble is unlikely to cause any real trouble.
Guide for parents
Even with a safe plant, make a habit of picking up fallen leaves the same day. If your cat likes to dig in or eat potting soil, fertilizer ingredients can upset their stomach — covering the soil with pebbles works well. If it comes home as a cut stem, florists often treat it with preservatives, so place the vase where your cat can't drink the water.
Details
- Scientific name
- Cucumis dipsaceus
- Common name
- Hedgehog Gourd
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Source
- ASPCA
