Physalis pumila

Nutt.

Dwarf Groundcherry, Yellow ground-cherry

Solanaceae Edible: Fruit Potential hazards — see below 296 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

A perennial groundcherry growing to 0.3 m (1 ft) tall. Frost tender. Hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with well-drained preference. Tolerates mildly acidic to basic pH soils. Requires full sun and prefers moist soil.

Description

A herb. It grows 30-75 cm high. It is densely hairy. The leaves are simple and oval. They are 4-7 cm long. The leaf stalks are 2-4 cm long. The flower occurs singly on a short stalk in the axil of the leaves. The flower later hangs over. The flower is about 1 cm across. It is yellow but slightly purple at the base.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. Each fruit is naturally enclosed in a papery calyx that protects it from pests and the elements — this calyx is toxic and must not be eaten.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where many of the members have poisonous leaves and stems, though the full ripe fruits are usually edible.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in the milder parts of this country. If it proves to be tender, it should be possible to treat it as an annual, sowing the seed in early spring in a warm greenhouse and planting out after the last expected frosts. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade.

Propagation

Sow seed in March or April in a greenhouse, barely covering it. Germination is typically quick and prolific. Diurnal temperature fluctuations assist germination. Once large enough to handle, prick seedlings out into individual pots of fairly rich soil and plant out after the last expected frosts, with cloche protection until established. Division in spring is very straightforward — larger divisions can go directly into permanent positions, while smaller ones are better potted up and grown on in light shade in a cold frame until well established before planting out in late spring or early summer. For basal cuttings in early summer, harvest shoots with plenty of underground stem when they reach about 8–10cm above ground, pot into individual pots, and keep in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until rooting well before planting out in summer.

Other Uses

None known Special Uses

Notes

There are about 75-100 Physalis species.

References (2)

Loughmiller, C & L., 1985, Texas Wildflowers. A Field Guide. University of Texas, Austin. p 226
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/