And you're sure it's not wild grapevine? (We always called them "Gopher Grapes" because if you ate any, you would "go fer" more.) I'm guessing you would recognize it if it were that?

Marcia

IF not the wild grapevine, it may be Virginia Creeper.

No, I'm sure it's not wild grape because the fruit is always single, not in clusters. Not a virginia creeper either.

He's a photo. Of course, in my zeal yesterday to pull it out, I must have grabbed all of the vines with pods. I couldn't find one today. They hang about 2 inches off the vine on an equally slender branch. When they turn color from light green to black it isn't dark blue or purple, it's really black.

Ummmm...are you sure there aren't orange fruits on this vine, too...with the sticky black seeds inside? That sure looks like balsam apple, but I think you know that vine. I can't imagine what else it might be. Sorry!

Marcia

I looked up the pictures and no, it's not balsam apple. The fruit is smaller and very smooth. I see this vine growing in all the wild hedges around here - like you see kudzu further north but not that thick or overwhelming.

Marcia, I appreciate you thinking that I know all these plants but remember I'm the one who doesn't know the name of anything! You probably think I'm kidding but apparently all the brain cells I lost in the '70s are the ones where plant names are stored. I just happily plant stuff and hope it grows, then am delighted when it actually blooms. It's a sad system but it works for me.

I don't know what it is but I have it! It is growing in the grass...well, at least I'm leaving this one at the house we are trying to sell! (along with skunk vine and potato vine).

Hey...wait...do the fruits start out green and look like miniature cucumbers? If so, it is wild cucumber, and the little fruits are edible. They taste JUST like cukes! But be sure that's what it is before you serve it up on the salad bar!

I seem to remember the leaves look very like this!

Marcia (who thinks you are exaggerating, Kate...not about your 70's high jenks, of course, but just about the brain damage!)

Nope, not wild cucumber.

Uuuuugh... what was the question?

I found it!!!

It's Creeping Cucumber (Melothria pendula). Apparently it's common throughout the southeast, but mostly in wetlands. How did it take hold so strongly in such a dry year???

Here is a link that might be useful: Creeping Cucumber (Guadeloupe Cucumber)

Kate, I have it too. I get it every year, just in a couple spots next to the fence.

That's what I was talking about, Kate. It's also called Wild Cucumber! And it is edible! We had a guy at Audubon bring it in for us all to taste one time, and it's good. If you like cukes!

Marcia

I do see that Wild Cucumber is an alternate name but if you google 'wild cucumber' you get a much different plant with a thick vine and a spikey fruit.
The creeping cuke fruit look like little tiny watermelons. One website said the fruit is a strong laxative so I would be cautious about how many you eat and how close to a bathroom you are when you eat them!

Yes, it does look exactly like a little watermelon. And while I thought they were tasty, I wouldn't eat a BOWL of them or anything. A few sprinkled on a salad once in awhile would do ya.

I didn't even know about the other wild cucumber. No wonder you thought I was crazy. (Don't answer that. I know I've given you MANY other reasons to think I'm crazy!)

Now, does knowing your vine produced little edibles make it more desirable in any way?

Marcia