Balloon-cherry
Physalis angulata
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Balloon-cherry (Physalis angulata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 12 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Balloon-cherry is an annual wildflower that produces small white flowers followed by distinctive papery lantern-like husks containing small fruits. This native plant grows 1-3 feet tall with a bushy habit and blooms from summer through fall.
In an HOA neighborhood
Balloon-cherry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Has weedy appearance and informal growth habit
- Annual nature means seasonal gaps in coverage
- May self-seed aggressively and appear volunteer
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. The seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.
Common questions
- How much sun does Balloon-cherry need?
- Balloon-cherry grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Balloon-cherry bloom?
- Balloon-cherry blooms in June, July, August, September, and October.
- Where is Balloon-cherry native?
- Balloon-cherry (Physalis angulata) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 12 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Balloon-cherry attract?
- Balloon-cherry draws bees and beetles.
- Is Balloon-cherry HOA-friendly?
- Balloon-cherry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Balloon-cherry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz