The burr cucumber reseeds itself readily and is considered a noxious weed in Indiana, Delaware and Kentucky. It is not listed as a noxious weed in Pennsylvania although it is becoming an increasing problem in no-till agriculture. It creeps into the fields from hedgerows and ditches where it tends to establish itself. The plant thrives in sunny wet locations.
The plant seems to have no use although the leaves are said to be edible, as is the seed. Care should be taken with the sap, as it may be irritating.
Edible parts of Bur Cucumber: Leaves - cooked. They can be cooked as greens. The fruit is said to be edible. Possibly the seed is edible but there is no flesh on the fruit, it is just a bristly skin around the seed. The fruit is about 1cm long and is borne in small clusters.
One-Seeded Bur Cucumber, Sicyos angulatus, is a medicinal plant with questionable edibility. Medicinally, it was used for venereal disease in women and used as a veterinary aid for the difficult delivery of a calf. As for its edibility there is no historic evidence of any American Indians using this plant for food. If you have evidence contrary to this or have used it for food please contact me and let me know.
Sicyos angulatus Prevents High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity and Insulin Resistance in Mice
Sicyos angulatus ameliorates acute liver injury by inhibiting oxidative stress via upregulation of anti-oxidant enzymes
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