How much sun does Clammy Ground-cherry need?

Clammy Ground-cherry grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Clammy Ground-cherry bloom?

Clammy Ground-cherry blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Clammy Ground-cherry native?

Clammy Ground-cherry (Physalis heterophylla) is native to AL, AR, CO, ID and 30 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Clammy Ground-cherry attract?

Clammy Ground-cherry draws bees and beetles.

Is Clammy Ground-cherry HOA-friendly?

Clammy Ground-cherry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Clammy Ground-cherry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Physalis heterophylla

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Clammy Ground-cherry (Physalis heterophylla) 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

low

Size

6"–24" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CO, ID and 30 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 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

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Clammy ground-cherry is a low-growing native wildflower that produces small yellow flowers followed by papery lantern-like husks containing edible berries. This spreading perennial has a somewhat informal appearance and can self-seed readily in favorable conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Clammy Ground-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.

Spreading growth habit can appear uncontrolled
Self-seeds and may be viewed as weedy
Informal appearance doesn't match typical landscaping expectations

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and beetles during the long summer blooming period. Birds and small mammals enjoy the edible berries that ripen in late summer.

Common questions

How much sun does Clammy Ground-cherry need?: Clammy Ground-cherry grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Clammy Ground-cherry bloom?: Clammy Ground-cherry blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Clammy Ground-cherry native?: Clammy Ground-cherry (Physalis heterophylla) is native to AL, AR, CO, ID and 30 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Clammy Ground-cherry attract?: Clammy Ground-cherry draws bees and beetles.
Is Clammy Ground-cherry HOA-friendly?: Clammy Ground-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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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