What’s the difference between squash and pumpkin? Well, that’s kind of a trick question, because in the battle of squash vs. pumpkin, it’s not really a battle at all.

Why? Because pumpkins ARE a type of squash – winter squash, specifically.

You can think of it like this: Much of the time, a pumpkin is simply a pumpkin-shaped winter squash – one that is also most commonly referred to as a pumpkin.

Two images stacked, the first is a pile of traditional pumpkins. The second is a mix of winter squashes. The text reads, "pumpkin vs. squash."

Squash and Pumpkin Difference

So here’s the nitty gritty. All squash, and that includes pumpkin, are a part of the Cucurbitaceae family, also known as the cucurbits, or the gourd family.

Within that family is the Cucurbita genus. This genus includes squash, pumpkin, gourds, and some decorative gourds. (read more about the taxonomy of Cucurbits here.)

And finally, within the Cucurbita genus are several species:

  • Cucurbita moschata includes butternut squash and some pumpkins such as the buff-colored ‘Long Island Cheese’ Pumpkin.
  • Cucurbita pepo includes spaghetti squash and many pumpkins as well. Some consider Cucurbita pepo to be “true” pumpkins, that is, the typical orange pumpkin with a thick, sturdy stem. (source)
  • Cucurbita maxima contains turban squash and even more pumpkins, such as pink ‘Porcelain Doll’ or decorative ‘Speckled Hound’ Pumpkin (pictured below).
  • You can also find hybrid pumpkins or squash that are created from pumpkins or squash in separate genuses.

Is Squash Pumpkin?

It depends. In some parts of the world, the terms “squash” and “pumpkin” are used interchangeably.

But in the U.S., some squashes are considered squash only – such as spaghetti squash or delicata squash, which are not considered pumpkin at all.

Is Pumpkin Squash?

Yes, all pumpkins are squash; specifically, winter squash.

And just to keep everything nice and crystal clear (ha!), you’ll find that the words “squash” and “pumpkin” are sometimes used interchangeably for the same variety of winter squash/pumpkin. An example of this is Kabocha Squash (pictured below), often also referred to as Kabocha Pumpkin or Japanese Pumpkin, which is used in Starbucks’ famous Pumpkin Spice Latte.

A whole kabocha squash and slices on a flat basket

Is Canned Pumpkin Real Pumpkin, or is it Squash?

The FDA actually has an official policy on this matter. In a nutshell, suppliers are allowed to use “golden-fleshed, sweet squash, or mixtures of such squash and field pumpkin” and call them “pumpkin.”

Libby’s pumpkin, specifically, is made with a squash called ‘Dickenson’ Pumpkins, which are a part of the Cucurbita Moschata species that includes butternut squash. Dickenson’s pumpkins are large, 10-15 pound pumpkins and also known as Kentucky Field Pumpkins, and, according to Libby, taste better than your standard orange pumpkin. (source)

If you want to get nitpicky, you can go back to the fact that some botanists consider Cucurbita pepo to be the only true pumpkin. And in the case of Libby’s, their pumpkin/squash is a member of the Cucurbita moschata species.

So if you’ve ever been told that Libby’s is not pumpkin but butternut squash, that’s not true, but Dickenson’s Pumpkin IS a the same species as butternut squash.

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