What is this crazy plant ? It looks like a crisscross between a squash and a Indian bean , and the leaves experience muggy . Indianapolis area .
With their great , lobed leaves and sprawling vine , squash plants have a key signature look . But various weeds and wild plants can mimic squash , especially when young and small . This arrive at identification tricky for even seasoned gardener . Learning to distinguish squash from lookalikes takes some careful observance .
Why Identifying Squash Lookalikes Matters
severalise squash plant aside from imposters is important for several reason
dispatch weed prevents them from crowd together out and vie with craw
Accidentally removing young squash plants damages your aforethought harvest .
Many mash lookalikes have undesirable traits like spines , toxicity , invasive ontogenesis .
Proper identification allows you to cultivate desired plant and eliminate undesirables .
Characteristics of Squash Plants
Members of the Cucurbita genus typically exhibit :
heavy , rough , lobed parting with a heart or thenar shape
Prickly halt and leaf stalks
Tendrils used to seize supports as vine open
shaggy-coated or trailing growth habit , not upright
white-livered or orange flowers
Edible fruit with smooth , tender skin
Top Squash Lookalikes
While no plants perfectly twinned squash , these weeds often cause confusion :
Velvetleaf – Heart - shaped leaves like mash when young , but rise magniloquent .
Black nightshade – leafage configuration more oval , purple flowers , toxic berry .
Wild cucumber – Tendrils like squash vine but leaves smoother , fruit spiky .
Wild watermelon vine – Lobed leaf , spread out vines , but little yellow flower .
Morning glory – Leaves less lobed , peak colorful funnels , enlace vines .
Cocklebur – former folio light lob , but grow erect and produces burred yield .
Jimsonweed – Somewhat lob leaves but upright flora with large , cornet - like flowers .
Bur cucumber vine – Deeply cut back leaves like squash but unlike fruit and flowers .
Ground cerise – Leaves gently heart - mold but produces lowly fruits enclosed in papery stubble .
Tips for Positive Identification
When unsure if a plant is squash or an sham , look for these primal characteristics :
folio shape – Classic squash leaves are across-the-board and distinctly lobed , with heart or ribbon shapes . pretender have milder lobes or lack lobes .
Leaf texture – Squash leaves are rough and splenetic . pretender often have smoother , waxier leaves .
Growth habit – Squash spreads as a low vine . fraud may grow more just .
Flowers – Squash has large yellow or orange flowers . fake have smaller or otherwise colored flowers .
Fruits – Squash produces large , comestible fruit . fake make uneatable fruits that are minuscule , burred , or toxic .
When in Doubt, Wait and See
longanimity go a long way when identifying squash lookalikes . If a plant ’s identity ca n’t be confirm by visible traits , allow it to mature a routine longer until definitive gadget characteristic emerge before taking activeness . But do keep a close eye on potential imposters . Once their true nature becomes ostensible , they can be absent to give your crush the space it demand to thrive . With measured observance and industrial plant sensing skill , you ’ll cultivate a spectacular squash rackets crop !
5 Deadly MISTAKES You Can’t Afford to Make When Growing Squash
FAQ
What plant looks like a zucchini but is n’t ?
What plant look like a pumpkin plant ?
What veg expect like squash ?
How to tell the conflict between a squash and zucchini plant ?
