Ground Cherry
| Botanical Name | Physalis longifolia, var. longifolia |
| Common Name | Ground cherry |
| Family | Solanaceae - Nightshade |
| Description | Hairy stems. The flowers hang from the stem, and then turn into fruits covered with a papery skin. |
| Mature Size | 12 –- 18 inches or up to 36 inches |
| Bloom | The flowers are 0.75 inches. They are greenish yellow or sometimes brownish yellow. Blooms first appear in early summer and continue into late summer. |
| Interesting Facts | Bees, butterflies and birds like this plant. Endangered in some states. |
| Traditional and Medicinal Uses | The plant has been used as a diuretic for various urinary problems, but there seems to be no scientific data to support this. Its use for bladder problems may go back to the doctrine of signatures as physalis is the Greek word for bladder.Warning: Although American Indians relished the ripe fruits, which were eaten raw or made into sauces, ALL nightshades must be considered somewhat dangerous. All parts of this plant except the ripe fruits may be toxic. It is possible that even the berries of some non-native Physalis species may be toxic. |
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Photos for SFBG by Janice Tucker
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