Physalis heterophylla
clammy groundcherry
Overview
Physalis heterophylla is a rhizomatous perennial reaching 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall, with branching stems covered in sticky, glandular hairs. The leaves are alternate, broadly ovate to heart-shaped, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, with wavy or coarsely toothed margins and a clammy surface. Flowers are bell-shaped, 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm) wide, dull yellow with five brownish to purple blotches in the throat, nodding singly from the leaf axils in summer. As the fruit develops, the calyx inflates into a papery, ten-ribbed husk 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long enclosing a single round yellow berry about 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) across. The plant spreads by creeping rhizomes, forming colonies in open ground, and can become weedy in cultivated fields and gardens. The foliage, unripe fruit, and husks contain solanine-type alkaloids that are toxic if eaten, while fully ripe berries are edible. P. heterophylla grows across much of central and eastern North America in dry to medium soils. Top growth dies back to the rhizome each winter and resprouts in late spring.
Native Range
Physalis heterophylla is native to central and eastern North America, from the Great Plains east to the Atlantic and from southern Canada into the southern United States. It grows in dry open woods, prairies, fields, roadsides, and disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
Physalis heterophylla is grown in native plant gardens, prairie plantings, and naturalized areas, spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart. Its husked fruit adds interest in late summer, and the colonizing habit suits informal or wild plantings more than tidy borders.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Dull yellow with purple-brown throatFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Physalis heterophylla grows in full sun to part shade in dry to medium, well-drained soil with a pH from 6.0 to 7.5. It withstands drought once established and grows in sandy, loamy, and rocky ground. Plants spread by rhizomes and self-seed, forming colonies that can crowd nearby plantings. Foliage dies back with frost and regrows from the rhizome in late spring. The foliage, unripe fruit, and husks contain solanine-type alkaloids that are toxic if eaten, while fully ripe berries are edible. Growth is sparse and flowering reduced in deep shade.Pruning
Cutting stems to the ground in late fall or winter removes spent top growth before spring regrowth. Lifting rhizome fragments limits the spread of colonies. No routine pruning is needed during the growing season.Pruning Schedule
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fall