Creeping Cucumber (Melothria pendula), also affectionately known as Mouse Melon, is a petite native vine that brings undeniable cuteness to any garden. This delicate yet vigorous plant sprawls across the ground or climbs into shrubs and trees, showcasing tiny five-petaled yellow flowers from summer through fall. Its standout feature? Grape-sized, pale green fruits with white mottling that resemble miniature watermelons. These young fruits are crisp, cucumbery, and edible—perfect for snacking or tossing into salads. But beware: as they ripen to dark green or black, they become bitter and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Although often dismissed as a weed, Creeping Cucumber can serve as a lovely groundcover in shady areas, where it forms graceful mats of foliage. Its dainty blooms also attract a variety of pollinators, adding ecological value to your garden. Thriving in partial to full sun with consistent moisture, this whimsical vine is a charming native addition to wild gardens, or trellised nooks—just snack wisely!
- Climbing vine
- Groundcover
- Flower: Yellow
- Fruit: Green, mottled
- Exposure: Part sun to full shade
- Moisture: Consistent, well-drained
- Soil: Sand
- Flowers attract pollinators
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