Walter's Groundcherry
Physalis walteri
Last reviewed: August 2026
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 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
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.
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.
Ready to grow Walter's 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