Skip to main content
UF/IFAS Extension University of Florida

Plant Identification Learning Module:
Vegetables

Squash, Butternut (Cucurbita moschata)

Vining plant that is typically grown on the ground. Fruits are very firm with a tough outer skin making them suitable for storage. The beige-yellow fruits average 1-3 pounds and have a hollow seed cavity. Fruits are usually bell-shaped, but sometimes blocky-round. Leaves are pubescent and comprised of 3-5 lobes. Stem is ridged or angular. Tan seeds are flat with indistinct edges. Flower is star-shaped and yellow.

Butternut squash
Purdue
Leaf of butternut squash
(cc) 2005, Spedona. This photo is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0.
Flower of butternut squash
(cc) 2004, Jeantosti. This photo is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0.