Ground-cherry
Physalis pubescens
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Ground-cherry (Physalis pubescens) 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"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 25 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
Ground-cherry is a compact annual herb that produces small yellow flowers followed by distinctive papery husks containing edible orange berries. This native plant grows in a neat, bushy form and provides late-season interest with its ornamental lantern-like seed pods. The plant self-seeds readily and can naturalize in favorable conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
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.
- Sprawling growth habit appears untidy
- Can self-seed aggressively and spread beyond intended areas
- Annual lifecycle leaves gaps in plantings
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and beneficial beetles during the long summer blooming period. The seeds and fruits provide food for small birds and wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Ground-cherry need?
- Ground-cherry grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Ground-cherry bloom?
- Ground-cherry blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Ground-cherry native?
- Ground-cherry (Physalis pubescens) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 25 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Ground-cherry attract?
- Ground-cherry draws bees and beetles.
- Is Ground-cherry HOA-friendly?
- 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 Ground-cherry? 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