Prairie gourd is a plant species commonly found in North America, and it has other synonyms depending on the region. In the west, it is known as prickly paddy, while in the Midwest, it is called buffalo gourd. In the southwest, it is referred to as coyote gourd, and in the southeast, it is known as wild pumpkin. Other common synonyms for prairie gourd include wild squash, Missouri gourd, and Calabazilla. This plant species is known for its large, edible fruit, which has a bitter taste and fibrous texture. Prairie gourd has various medicinal properties and is used in herbal medicine to treat ailments such as fever, coughs, and arthritis.