How much sun does Smallflower Groundcherry need?

Smallflower Groundcherry grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Smallflower Groundcherry bloom?

Smallflower Groundcherry blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Smallflower Groundcherry native?

Smallflower Groundcherry (Physalis cinerascens) is native to AR, KS, LA, MO and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Smallflower Groundcherry attract?

Smallflower Groundcherry draws bees and beetles.

Is Smallflower Groundcherry HOA-friendly?

Smallflower Groundcherry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Smallflower Groundcherry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Physalis cinerascens

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Smallflower Groundcherry (Physalis cinerascens) 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

6"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AR, KS, LA, MO and 3 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

Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Mississippi Alluvial Plain

Physalis cinerascens is a low-growing native ground cherry that produces small yellow flowers followed by papery lantern-like husks containing small fruits. This drought-tolerant perennial spreads moderately and blooms from summer through early fall. The plant has a somewhat informal appearance with soft, grayish-green foliage.

In an HOA neighborhood

Smallflower 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.

Can appear weedy or unkempt
Papery husks may look messy
Spreading habit may appear uncontrolled

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and beetles during the long blooming season from June through September. The fruits may also provide food for small wildlife and birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Smallflower Groundcherry need?: Smallflower Groundcherry grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Smallflower Groundcherry bloom?: Smallflower Groundcherry blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Smallflower Groundcherry native?: Smallflower Groundcherry (Physalis cinerascens) is native to AR, KS, LA, MO and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Smallflower Groundcherry attract?: Smallflower Groundcherry draws bees and beetles.
Is Smallflower Groundcherry HOA-friendly?: Smallflower 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 Smallflower Groundcherry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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