The leaves are large, sometimes exceeding 12 inches across, and are borne on petioles up to 24 inches in length. The plants are susceptible to frost but do well in relatively cool climates. If the fruit is consumed in the immature stage, it must be harvested at frequent intervals. Otherwise, it is left to mature on the vine. The fruits vary greatly in size, from a few ounces to more than 100 pounds, and in shape from globular and oval to gooseneck, crookneck, and other grotesque shapes.
Pistillate flowers are on a short peduncle, the style is thick, and the stigma two- lobed.
Both pollen and nectar are produced in the staminate flowers and nectar in pistillate flowers. Nectar is secreted from a ring of tissue surrounding the style and just inside the perianth tube. The ovary is divided into three to five carpels. The squash blossom is the emblem of fertility to the Hopi Indians of the Southwest, whose more expensive pieces of jewelry include the squash blossom necklaces. The period of receptiveness has not been thoroughly worked out.