Common Groundcherry
(Physalis longifolia)
Common Groundcherry (Physalis longifolia)
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Frank Mayfield
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Frank Mayfield
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Frank Mayfield | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0 | Uploader: Tortie tude | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Physalis_subglabrata.jpg | Notes: User created page with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Physalis longifolia, commonly known as Common Groundcherry, Longleaf Groundcherry, or Wild Tomatillo, is a perennial herb native to prairies, open woods, and disturbed areas across central and eastern North America. It typically grows 20–60 cm (7.9–23.6 in) tall and features somewhat oval-shaped leaf blades 4–7 cm (1.6–2.8 in) long on petioles. The plant produces small, yellow flowers in the leaf axils, followed by distinctive yellow-green fruits encased in a papery husk, which are edible and have a unique flavor profile. The fresh fruit is described as tasting like an effervescent, under-ripened strawberry, while the dried berry is likened to a cross between a raisin and dried cranberry.
The Common Groundcherry is valued for its edible fruit and as an ornamental plant in naturalistic gardens. It is often used in border plantings and as a ground cover. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers soils with medium drainage. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners should be aware that Physalis longifolia can self-seed and spread, potentially becoming weedy in favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Common Groundcherry is valued for its edible fruit and as an ornamental plant in naturalistic gardens. It is often used in border plantings and as a ground cover. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers soils with medium drainage. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners should be aware that Physalis longifolia can self-seed and spread, potentially becoming weedy in favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 0.333-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Prairies, open woods, and disturbed areas across central and eastern North America
Other Names
Common Names: Wild Tomatillo, Common Ground-Cherry, Longleaf Ground-Cherry, Long-Leaved Ground-Cherry, Common Groundcherry, Coqueret À Feuilles Longues, Smalbladig Lyktört
Scientific Names: , Physalis longifolia, Physalis virginiana var. sonorae, Physalis rigida, Physalis virginiana var. longiseta, Physalis pumila var. sonorae, Physalis heterophylla subsp. sonorae, Physalis heterophylla var. sonorae, Physalis lanceolata var. longifolia, Physalis longifolia subsp. sonorae
GBIF Accepted Name: Physalis longifolia Nutt.