Echinocystis is an annual, sprawling plant that is native to North America including most Canadian Provinces, and forty U.S. states. The vines reach 15-20 feet long, are self supporting, and form masses of beautiful white flowers.

Echinocystis lobata will climb, with the help of coiling, branched tendrils, over shrubs and fences or trail across the ground. The fruit is an inflated capsule up to 5 cm (2 in) long with two pores and four seeds. It resembles a tiny spiny water melon. The spines are soft at first, and once dried they can be sharp.

This plant and fruit are not edible.

Type: Reliable self-seeding annual vine

Location: Sun or shade