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Smallflower Groundcherry

Physalis cinerascens

Last reviewed: September 2026

Smallflower Groundcherry (Physalis cinerascens)
Photo: (c) Liliana Ramírez-Freire, some rights reserved (CC BY)

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

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan DesertsHigh PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsCross TimbersEdwards PlateauSouthern Texas PlainsTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsMississippi 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.

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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.

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.

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