Location specific values:
Array
(
    [lat] => 36.733500
    [lng] => -76.043500
    [elevation] => 1
    [rainfall] => 1171.5376
    [cold_temperature] => 0.0784
    [temperature] => 30.5236
    [user_eto] => 1094.15702016
)

Plant specific values:
Array
(
    [rain_min_irrigation] => 851
    [eto_corrected] => 899
    [eto_adjusted_rain_min (rain_min_irrigation / eto_corrected)] => 0.94660734
)
Clammy Groundcherry (Physalis heterophylla) | Easyscape Plant Profile

Clammy Groundcherry

(Physalis heterophylla)

Clammy Groundcherry (Physalis heterophylla)

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Estimated Native Range
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Climate Requirements for Virginia Beach, Virginia

This Plant Your Site Plant Suitability for Your Location
• Precipitation 11" - 67" 46" Aquatic Aquatic
• High Temp. 64°F - 101°F 87°F Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. Excellent
• Low Temp. -7°F - 54°F 32°F Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant Excellent
This plant may not grow well at your location - your precipitation is too high.

Summary

Physalis heterophylla, commonly known as Clammy Groundcherry, is a semi-evergreen or deciduous perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and along forest edges in the Eastern and Central USA. It can grow up to 50 cm tall and is one of the taller North American species within its genus. The plant is characterized by its glandularly pubescent stems and leaves, which give it a sticky texture and contribute to its common name. The yellow flowers, with purple accents at the base, are funnelform and about 2.5 cm in diameter, hanging downwards when open. After flowering, the sepals enlarge to encase the developing fruit, which resembles a small tomatillo and is edible when ripe, although the rest of the plant is toxic.

Clammy Groundcherry is valued for its unique flowers and edible fruits, which can be used in jams and desserts. It is suitable for naturalistic plantings and wildlife gardens, as it provides food for various insects. This plant thrives in full sun but can tolerate part shade, and it is adaptable to a range of soil types with varying drainage. It requires low to medium amounts of water, making it relatively easy to maintain. Gardeners should be cautious, as the plant is poisonous except for the ripe fruits, and care should be taken to prevent ingestion by children and animals.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1.5-2.5 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption.

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, grasslands, and forest edges

Other Names

Common Names: Clammy Ground-Cherry , Wild Ground-Cherry , Cerise De Terre Sauvage , Cerise-De-Terre , Coqueret Hétérophylle

Scientific Names: Physalis heterophylla , Physalis heterophylla var. heterophylla , Physalis ambigua , Physalis heterophylla var. ambigua , Physalis heterophylla var. nyctaginea , Physalis nyctaginea , Physalis heterophylla var. villosa , Physalis heterophylla var. umbrosa , Physalis heterophylla var. clavipes , Physalis sinuata

GBIF Accepted Name: Physalis heterophylla Nees