Dwarf Groundcherry
Physalis pumila
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Dwarf Groundcherry (Physalis pumila) 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
4"–12" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AR, CO, IA, IL and 8 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
Dwarf groundcherry is a low-growing native perennial that forms compact mounds in sunny locations. It produces small yellow flowers in summer followed by papery husks containing small fruits, similar to its cultivated relatives.
In an HOA neighborhood
Dwarf Groundcherry 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.
- Low height may appear weedy or unkempt
- Papery seed husks can look messy
- Unknown dormancy appearance creates uncertainty
Wildlife value
The summer flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. The fruits may be consumed by small wildlife and ground-dwelling creatures.
Common questions
- How much sun does Dwarf Groundcherry need?
- Dwarf Groundcherry grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Dwarf Groundcherry bloom?
- Dwarf Groundcherry blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Dwarf Groundcherry native?
- Dwarf Groundcherry (Physalis pumila) is native to AR, CO, IA, IL and 8 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Dwarf Groundcherry attract?
- Dwarf Groundcherry draws bees and beetles.
- Is Dwarf Groundcherry HOA-friendly?
- Dwarf Groundcherry 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Dwarf Groundcherry? 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