As if to defy the waning season, summer sometimes places a crown across the tops of plants in fields and meadows. Rising like the pointed palisades on the rim of a royal diadem, the wild cucumber vine (Echinocystis lobata) lifts its six-inch flower spikes toward the sky. Clusters of small white, star-shaped flowers give the plant a fluffy appearance by day, but in the moonlight, it looks like a great feathered serpent stretching across the landscape. The shape of the bright green leaves is reminiscent of ivy and, like a grape vine, wild cucumber has curling tendrils that help it climb over everything in its path or drape like a festive garland.
Its various folk names refer to the fruit: balsam apple, prickly cucumber, and cactus balls. Resembling something from a Dr. Seuss book, the small spherical to oblong fruit is covered in long, thin spines. It’s not surprising that the plant’s genus name was derived from the Latin echinus, meaning “hedgehog.” Although it is related to the garden cucumber, it is not edible—even sans the spines—and while not lethal, it has a bitter taste and unpleasant side effects.
That said, the tuberous roots have been used medicinally by the Cherokee, Menominee, and Ojibwa peoples for several ailments and even added to love potions. The Oglala used the seeds for beads. As the fruit decays, it leaves behind a brown, papery network of fibers that have been incorporated into jewelry in Europe. Native to North America, wild cucumber was introduced into Europe in the late nineteenth century as an ornamental to decorate arbors and fences. Like many other plants, it escaped the garden and made itself at home throughout Europe and as far east as central Russia.
Magically, the flowers can be included in love spells as can the vine, which also works well in handfasting ceremonies. Although small, the spiny fruit is symbolically protective and can be used to ward off any form of negativity. In addition, the vine can be wound into a circle and hung as a protective wreath on a door.
