Wild Cucumber
Echinocystis lobata
Wild cucumber plants, sometimes called maroon cucumber or West Indian gherkin, are climbing vines that originally came from Africa and now show up just about everywhere in the world. They're similar to the cucumbers we use in salads or for pickles, except these ones are smaller with soft spiky bits on the fruit. Then there's another type from California, known as man-root, and it's not even closely related but it can still cause issues if your rabbit gets into it.
Both kinds have mild toxins that might upset your pet's stomach, so it's probably a good idea to keep them out of reach. And just to be clear the cucumbers you pick up at the store are perfectly safe and even healthy for your rabbit to nibble on — but definitely not these wild varieties
Guideline: Poisonous
Type: Outdoor Plants
Other Names: Wild cucumber vine, man-root, maroon cucumber
Often Mistaken For
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Is Wild Cucumber item toxic?
Yes. Wild cucumber species contain mild toxins that can upset digestion in rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas. Store-bought garden cucumbers are a different, safer plant.
Should I feed my pet Wild Cucumber?
No. Do not feed wild cucumber vines, fruit, or roots to rabbits, guinea pigs, or chinchillas.
How much can I feed them?
Do not offer as food. If your pet ate wild cucumber, contact your veterinarian. Cultivated cucumber from the grocery is handled on our cucumber page—not the same plant.
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