Physalis crassifolia
thickleaf groundcherry
Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico
Overview
Physalis crassifolia, thickleaf groundcherry, is a bushy perennial in the Solanaceae, forming a rounded, sprawling mound 1-2 ft (30-60 cm) tall and up to 3 ft (90 cm) wide on brittle, much-branched stems. The thick, rounded to heart-shaped leaves are 0.5-1.5 in (1.5-4 cm) long, slightly sticky, and gray-green. Nodding, bell-shaped flowers about 0.5-0.75 in (12-18 mm) wide hang from the leaf axils, pale to bright yellow, sometimes with a faint dark center. After flowering the calyx enlarges into a papery, lantern-like husk that encloses a small round berry, a trait shared across Physalis spp.. The plant blooms over much of the year in mild climates, with the heaviest flush in spring and again after summer rains. Physalis crassifolia is native to dry, rocky desert slopes, washes, and canyon walls of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The foliage and unripe fruit contain solanine-type alkaloids and are toxic if eaten. It tolerates intense heat, drought, and poor, alkaline soils, but is frost-sensitive and dies back in hard cold. It is short-lived and self-seeds in open ground.
Native Range
Native to the southwestern United States, including California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and western Texas, and adjacent Baja California and Sonora. It grows on dry rocky slopes, desert washes, canyon walls, and in the shade of larger shrubs.Suggested Uses
Used in desert and xeriscape gardens, rock gardens, and habitat plantings on dry slopes. Suited to hot, sunny, low-water sites and natural desert landscaping. Combines with brittlebush, desert marigold, and other arid-land perennials.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to part shade in sharply drained sandy, rocky, or gravelly soil, including alkaline desert ground with pH 6.5 to 8.5. It needs very little water once established and tolerates intense heat and drought. Hard frost kills the top growth, though plants often resprout in mild-winter areas. Overwatering and heavy soils cause root rot. The foliage and green fruit are toxic, which keeps browsing animals away.Pruning
Cut back frost-damaged or straggly stems in early spring to renew the mound. Light trimming during the growing season keeps the plant compact. Spent stems can be sheared after the main bloom.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring