General Plant Information (Edit)
Plant Habit: Herb/Forb
Life cycle: Perennial
Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Preferences: Mesic
Soil pH Preferences: Slightly acid (6.1 – 6.5)
Neutral (6.6 – 7.3)
Slightly alkaline (7.4 – 7.8)
Plant Height: 12 to 24 inches
Fruit: Other: Green berry, maturing to reddish-orange and covered in a hairy, papery shell.
Flowers: Showy
Flower Color: Yellow
Other: Yellow with brownish-purple markings near the throat.
Bloom Size: Under 1"
Flower Time: Summer
Underground structures: Rhizome
Edible Parts: Fruit
Wildlife Attractant: Bees
Toxicity: Leaves are poisonous
Fruit is poisonous
Other: Unripe fruit is poisonous.
Pollinators: Bees
Various insects

Image
Common names
  • Ground Cherry
  • Virginia groundcherry
  • Ground-cherry
  • Virginia Ground Cherry

Photo Gallery
Location: Northeastern, Texas
Date: 2012-04-29
On the ground, looking up that the bloom and the papery lantern t
Comments:
  • Posted by SCurtis (Maryville, Tn - Zone 7a) on Aug 22, 2014 2:33 PM concerning plant:
    Ground cherries are native to the US and are prolific. They can be considered weeds in the south. Start them indoors. In warmer climates, put out seeds after danger of frost. Make sure to only pick the fruits after they've fallen to the ground or they will be bitter. They need a lot of room because they spread over the ground, and they can also climb. Better to plant in a pot where they can spread or in an area where they have plenty of room. They do well in amended soil and need excellent drainage. Make sure to plant them deep if you are transplanting. The taste is like a cross between a cherry and a tomato. They make excellent pies and preserves. They can also be dried and eaten like raisins.

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