Central Great Plains, Chihuahuan Deserts, Cross Timbers, East Central Texas Plains, Edwards Plateau, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Southern Texas Plains, Texas Blackland Prairies
Coastal Sand Plain, Floodplains and Low Terraces4, Laguna Madre Barrier Island and Coastal Marshes, Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley, Mid-Coast Barrier Islands and Coastal Marshes, Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies, Southern Subhumid Gulf Coastal Prairies, Texas-Louisiana Coastal Marshes
Northern Nueces Alluvial Plains, Rio Grande Floodplain and Terraces, Semiarid Edwards Bajada, Texas-Tamaulipan Thornscrub
Northern Blackland Prairie
Plant Characteristics
Growth Form
Vine
Height
6
to
20
ft.
Spread
1
to
2
ft.
Leaf Retention
Deciduous
Lifespan
Perennial
Habitat and Care Requirements
Soil Type(s)
Sand, Loam, Clay, Saline
Light Requirement
Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Water Requirement
Low
Native Habitat
Woodland
Bloom and Attraction
Bloom Color
Yellow
Bloom Season
Spring, Summer
Seasonal Interest
Fruit, Nectar, Flowers
Wildlife Benefit
Birds, Nectar Insects
Maintenance
The plant will set more fruit in a sunnier setting. Climbs by tendrils so will need a shrub or trellis to clamber up. Propagation: Seed.
Comments
Blooms April-September. The leaves and small yellow flowers of the balsam-gourd vine are attractive, but the ornamental value of this plant lies in its 1-2 inch, bright red, globular fruit. Light tolerance makes balsam-gourd a versatile plant for shade gardens. Fruit attracts birds. Pollination: Nectar insects.