Perennial Cucumber Watch

Chris Boerboom, Extension Weed Scientist

I was contacted to assist with the identification of this perennial vine (Fig. 1), which is infesting a corn field. The vines have tendrils, hairy leaves and stems, and the vines arise from tubers (Fig. 2). The UW Herbarium has tentatively identified the weed as Cucumis melo, which was domesticated as cantaloupe. Wild types of this plant are generally tropical or sub-tropical, but this patch was found north of Hwy 18 off County K in Grant County. Even though it has been in the 90s this week, I don’t think we can classify Grant County as sub-tropical. Therefore, I’m interested in hearing if you have seen this plant. It would not be confused with burcucumber or wild cucumber because of its heart-shaped leaves and its growth from tubers (Fig. 3).

Figure 1. Cucumis melo vines climbing up corn plants. Note the heart-shaped leaves, which differ from the lobed or maple-leaf shapes of burcucumber or wild cucumber.

 

Figure 2. Vines were able to emerge from tubers, which were several inches deep.

One confusing item yet to be resolved with this weed is that references for Cucumis melo list it as an annual, which is what cantaloupe and muskmelon are. However, this plant is clearly perennial. Please let me know if you have seen this plant so we can determine if this is an isolated infestation or not.