How much sun does Purple Groundcherry need?

Purple Groundcherry grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Purple Groundcherry bloom?

Purple Groundcherry blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.

Where is Purple Groundcherry native?

Purple Groundcherry (Quincula lobata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, KS and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Purple Groundcherry attract?

Purple Groundcherry draws bees.

Is Purple Groundcherry HOA-friendly?

Purple Groundcherry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Purple Groundcherry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Quincula lobata

Last reviewed: October 2026

Toxicity unknown

Purple Groundcherry (Quincula lobata) 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

3"–6" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, KS and 4 more states

Pollinators

bees

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 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Purple Groundcherry.

Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

Purple groundcherry is a low-growing native wildflower that forms a spreading mat close to the ground. It produces small purple flowers from spring through fall and develops papery seed pods that add seasonal interest.

In an HOA neighborhood

Purple Groundcherry is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

This plant attracts native bees and other small pollinators throughout its extended blooming season. The low growth habit provides shelter for beneficial ground insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Purple Groundcherry need?: Purple Groundcherry grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Purple Groundcherry bloom?: Purple Groundcherry blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is Purple Groundcherry native?: Purple Groundcherry (Quincula lobata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, KS and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Purple Groundcherry attract?: Purple Groundcherry draws bees.
Is Purple Groundcherry HOA-friendly?: Purple Groundcherry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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

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