Lanceleaf Groundcherry
Physalis virginiana
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Lanceleaf Groundcherry (Physalis virginiana) 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
12"–24" H × 8"–16" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CO, CT and 35 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 437 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 native perennial that produces small white flowers followed by papery lantern-like husks containing edible orange berries. The plant forms compact clumps with heart-shaped leaves and thrives in full sun with minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Lanceleaf 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.
- Looks weedy and unkempt during growing season
- Papery husks can appear messy
- May spread by underground stems
Wildlife value
The summer flowers attract native bees and beetles for pollination. Birds and small mammals enjoy the nutritious berries in late summer and fall.
Common questions
- How much sun does Lanceleaf Groundcherry need?
- Lanceleaf Groundcherry grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Lanceleaf Groundcherry bloom?
- Lanceleaf Groundcherry blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Lanceleaf Groundcherry native?
- Lanceleaf Groundcherry (Physalis virginiana) is native to AL, AR, CO, CT and 35 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Lanceleaf Groundcherry attract?
- Lanceleaf Groundcherry draws bees and beetles.
- Is Lanceleaf Groundcherry HOA-friendly?
- Lanceleaf 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 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 Lanceleaf 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