Cucurbita pepo var. pepo
Calabaza, field pumpkin, Field Pumpkin
Howard F. Schwartz, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org (via Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY
Family: Cucurbitaceae · Type: Vine · Not Native
Cucurbita pepo var. pepo (Calabaza) is a non-native California vine in the Cucurbitaceae family, recognized by leaf size, flower color, and limited distribution.
Calabaza is a naturalized perennial found in southern California's Ventura County in sandy places at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from May to September, this plant produces large orange flowers up to 9 centimeters across with distinctive cordate leaves. Growing with scabrous herbage and branching tendrils, it develops sprawling stems with green leaves marked by prominent white main veins. Its leaves are broadly heart-shaped, 20 to 60 centimeters wide, with three to five distinct lobes, the terminal lobe being the longest. The fruit grows impressively large, over 10 centimeters wide, and can be dark green, yellow, or orange, often featuring multiple colors or speckled patterns.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; leaf size, flower color, and limited distribution are diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy places
Elevation: < 100 m
Outside California: cultivated worldwide
Bloom period
Cucurbita pepo var. pepo blooms May-Sep.
How to tell it apart
vs Cucumis: Cucurbita has flowers with fused tube over 3cm long; Cucumis flowers are shallower with shorter tubes.; vs Datura: Cucurbita has yellow-orange trumpet flowers and vines; Datura has white-purple trumpets and upright growth.; vs Citrullus: Cucurbita emerges from large tuber-like roots; Citrullus is annual from seed without tuber.; vs Marah: Cucurbita has large yellow trumpet flowers; Marah has small white star-shaped flowers.; vs Agnorhiza: Cucurbita has trumpet-shaped flowers; Agnorhiza has daisy-like composite flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cucurbita pepo var. pepo native to California?
No. Cucurbita pepo var. pepo is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Cucurbita pepo var. pepo bloom?
Cucurbita pepo var. pepo blooms May-Sep.
What plant family does Cucurbita pepo var. pepo belong to?
Cucurbita pepo var. pepo is in the Cucurbitaceae family, genus Cucurbita.
What habitat does Cucurbita pepo var. pepo grow in?
Cucurbita pepo var. pepo grows in Sandy places.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.