Physalis lagascae, commonly known as Pygmy Groundcherry or Lagasca’s Ground Cherry, is a perennial herb that is deciduous in nature. It is native to Mexico, Central and South America, typically found in a variety of habitats such as dry sandy and stony places, roadsides, waste ground, and fields. This plant exhibits a moderate growth rate, achieving a height and width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). Physalis lagascae is characterized by its small, lantern-like yellow flowers that bloom in the summer and are modest in showiness. The plant also produces distinctive papery husks that enclose the fruit, which are often used in decorative arrangements.

The Pygmy Groundcherry is valued for its unique ornamental fruit husks and is used in rock gardens, as a border plant, or in naturalized areas. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun and prefers sandy or loamy soils with medium to fast drainage. While it requires low amounts of water once established, it may benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. Gardeners should be aware that Physalis lagascae can spread readily outside its native range due to its ability to self-seed prolifically.CC BY-SA 4.0