How much sun does Common Ground-cherry need?

Common Ground-cherry grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Common Ground-cherry bloom?

Common Ground-cherry blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Common Ground-cherry native?

Common Ground-cherry (Physalis longifolia) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 42 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Common Ground-cherry attract?

Common Ground-cherry draws bees and beetles.

Is Common Ground-cherry HOA-friendly?

Common 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.

Common Ground-cherry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Physalis longifolia

Last reviewed: July 2026

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 42 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Common ground-cherry is a native perennial that produces small yellow flowers in summer followed by papery husks containing edible orange berries. This upright plant reaches 1 to 3 feet tall and spreads moderately through underground stems. The deciduous foliage dies back completely in winter, leaving bare ground until spring regrowth.

In an HOA neighborhood

Common Ground-cherry 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.

Can appear weedy and unkempt during growing season
Dies back completely leaving bare patches in winter
May spread beyond intended planting areas

Wildlife value

The summer flowers attract native bees and beneficial beetles for pollination. The berries provide food for birds and small mammals in late summer and fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Common Ground-cherry need?: Common Ground-cherry grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Common Ground-cherry bloom?: Common Ground-cherry blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Common Ground-cherry native?: Common Ground-cherry (Physalis longifolia) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 42 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Common Ground-cherry attract?: Common Ground-cherry draws bees and beetles.
Is Common Ground-cherry HOA-friendly?: Common 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Common Ground-cherry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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