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Walter's Groundcherry

Physalis walteri

Last reviewed: August 2026

Walter's Groundcherry (Physalis walteri)
Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by Nonbinary-Naturalist

Toxicity unknown

Walter's Groundcherry (Physalis walteri) 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"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, FL, GA, MS 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

Middle Atlantic Coastal PlainSoutheastern PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainSouthern Florida Coastal Plain

Walter's groundcherry is a compact native perennial that produces small yellow flowers from late spring through early fall. This low-growing plant forms neat clumps and develops papery lantern-like seed pods that add seasonal interest to the garden.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Walter's 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 wild to traditional gardeners
  • May self-seed and spread unpredictably
  • Unknown winter appearance creates uncertainty

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and beetles throughout the long blooming season. The seeds may provide food for small birds and wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Walter's Groundcherry need?
Walter's Groundcherry grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Walter's Groundcherry bloom?
Walter's Groundcherry blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
Where is Walter's Groundcherry native?
Walter's Groundcherry (Physalis walteri) is native to AL, FL, GA, MS and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Walter's Groundcherry attract?
Walter's Groundcherry draws bees and beetles.
Is Walter's Groundcherry HOA-friendly?
Walter's 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.

See all plant problem guides

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