When does coastal groundcherry bloom?

Coastal groundcherry typically flowers from June through September, producing small yellow bell shaped blooms along its trailing stems.

What pollinators visit coastal groundcherry flowers?

Bees and beetles are the main visitors to coastal groundcherry flowers, drawn to the nodding yellow blooms during the summer bloom period.

How much sun and water does coastal groundcherry need?

Coastal groundcherry grows best in full sun with medium moisture, though it can tolerate drier, sandy soils once its roots are established.

What kind of habitat suits coastal groundcherry?

It does well in open, sandy sites such as coastal dunes, scrub edges, and disturbed sunny ground where drainage is fast and competition from taller plants is low.

Is Coastal Groundcherry HOA-friendly?

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

Coastal Groundcherry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Physalis angustifolia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Coastal groundcherry is a low, sprawling forb that blooms from June through September in full sun. It favors sandy, well drained soils typical of Gulf Coast dunes and coastal plains, tolerating medium to low moisture once established.

Toxicity unknown

Coastal Groundcherry (Physalis angustifolia) 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

6"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, FL, LA, MS

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

Coastal groundcherry is a compact annual wildflower that produces small yellow blooms from summer through early fall. This low-growing native plant forms neat mounds and develops papery lantern-like seed pods that add seasonal interest to the garden.

Growing Coastal Groundcherry

Grow Coastal Groundcherry in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Coastal Groundcherry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Annual lifecycle creates gaps in plantings
Common name includes 'groundcherry' which may sound weedy
Papery seed pods can appear untidy to some

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and beneficial beetles during its long blooming period from June through September.

Common questions

When does coastal groundcherry bloom?: Coastal groundcherry typically flowers from June through September, producing small yellow bell shaped blooms along its trailing stems.
What pollinators visit coastal groundcherry flowers?: Bees and beetles are the main visitors to coastal groundcherry flowers, drawn to the nodding yellow blooms during the summer bloom period.
How much sun and water does coastal groundcherry need?: Coastal groundcherry grows best in full sun with medium moisture, though it can tolerate drier, sandy soils once its roots are established.
What kind of habitat suits coastal groundcherry?: It does well in open, sandy sites such as coastal dunes, scrub edges, and disturbed sunny ground where drainage is fast and competition from taller plants is low.
Is Coastal Groundcherry HOA-friendly?: Coastal Groundcherry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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

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