# How to Grow Devil's Claw
Devil’s claw, a plant native to the Southwest produces a sticky 3- to 4-inch seedpod that ends in a curved horn the same length. When dry, this horn splits into two sharp claws. The two species of devil's claws comprise a pink-flowered annual, Proboscidea parviflora ssp. parviflora, and a yellow-flowered perennial, P. althaeifolia. During the hot summer months, both species form sprawling, pumpkin-like plants with clammy foliage.
Instructions
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Plant seed in well-spaced mounds or in rows 2 to 4 feet apart, as you would plant cucumber or squash. Time the planting in late spring, when there is no danger of frost.
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Cover the seeds with a half-inch of soil and keep watered until germination. Annual devil's claw grows thrives in rich loam soil with regular soaking.
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Harvest the pods, which are edible raw or cooked as with okra: boiled, stewed, fried or pickled. The green pods grow to between 4 and 6 inches long.
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4
Remove the seeds from dried pods and dry them. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place and plant next year.
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