All squash comes from one of the following five Cucurbita species: C. argyrosperma, C. ficifolia, C. maxima, C. moschata and C. pepo. Some market groups (like pumpkin) cross multiple species. For simplicity sake, we will group most of these Cucurbata cultivars into two groups: Summer Squash and Winter Squash.

Summer squash is the more delicate squash with a shorter shelf-life. Nonetheless they have been equally as prized by horticulturalists for generations.

Most Gourds are related to squash. Some of them may not be as delicious or even as edible, but they have their uses. Some are cultivar groups of the squash species above. Others are whole species in themselves. Some notable & important gourds are: