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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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

Toxicity unknown

Common Ground-cherry (Physalis longifolia) 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 × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 42 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 area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Piedmont Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Madrean Archipelago Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 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 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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