Virginia Groundcherry
(Physalis virginiana)
Virginia Groundcherry (Physalis virginiana)
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aarongunnar
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Photo by: aarongunnar | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: aarongunnar | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-06-21T10:58:18-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Physalis virginiana, commonly known as Virginia Groundcherry, is a rhizomatous perennial herb native to open woodlands and grasslands across Eastern North America. It typically grows 8 to 12 inches in height and is characterized by its small greenish-yellow flowers that appear from early July to September. The flowers are not particularly showy but are distinctive with their five-angled, bladder-like structure that encases the plant’s half-inch diameter fruit. The fruit, when ripe, is enclosed in a papery husk and is edible, often used in jams and desserts.
Virginia Groundcherry is appreciated for its unique fruit structure and its ability to thrive in a range of soil conditions, including moist and slightly sandy soils. It is often used in wildflower gardens, borders, and as a naturalizing plant in informal settings. It requires full sun to partial shade and can tolerate medium amounts of water with slow to fast drainage. While it is not known for significant pest or disease issues, it can spread aggressively through its rhizomes, potentially becoming invasive outside its native range. Gardeners should be cautious and check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Virginia Groundcherry is appreciated for its unique fruit structure and its ability to thrive in a range of soil conditions, including moist and slightly sandy soils. It is often used in wildflower gardens, borders, and as a naturalizing plant in informal settings. It requires full sun to partial shade and can tolerate medium amounts of water with slow to fast drainage. While it is not known for significant pest or disease issues, it can spread aggressively through its rhizomes, potentially becoming invasive outside its native range. Gardeners should be cautious and check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands and grasslands across Eastern North America
Other Names
Common Names: Virginia Ground Cherry, Virginia Ground-Cherry, Lanceleaf Groundcherry, Perennial Ground-Cherry, Coqueret De Virginie
Scientific Names: , Physalis virginiana, Physalis virginiana var. campaniforma, Physalis viscosa, Physalis virginiana var. virginiana, Physalis monticola, Physalis intermedia, Physalis pennsylvanica, Physalis viscido-pubescens, Physalis obscura
GBIF Accepted Name: Physalis virginiana Mill.