What kind of squash/cucumber is this? | Walter Reeves: The Georgia Gardener

Date Photo Taken: August 28, 2011
Location: Seattle, WA
Posted By: NoviceGardener

Notes:

This is a volunteer plant in my yard. The plant is approx. 10 feet long x 6 feet wide and has tendrils allowing it to climb. It has yellow blossoms like you typically see on squash or cucumber plants. The fruit weighs just under two pounds, is 5 inches tall (to the base of the stem), has a circumference of 14.5 inches, and has a smooth green and white striped/spotted skin (no spines) with yellow flesh. The leaves of the plant range from 7-20 inches at their widest point. The vines of the plant are about 1/4 inch thick. There are multiple fruits on this plant ranging from the size of a tennis ball to this large fruit described above.

I believe this to be some kind of cucumber, but do not know for certain. I have been told by my local nursery that there are native toxic/poisonous cucumbers in Washington State. I want to know what this is, and if it is okay to eat or if it is toxic. Any information anyone can provide is much appreciated.