Toxic Plant Known to be toxic - Unripe fruits and other green plant parts contain compounds that can cause illness if consumed. Keep unripe fruit away from children and pets.
Image of Physalis heterophylla
Source: OWSL
Physalis heterophylla

Plant Names

image of Flowering plant
Physalis heterophylla
Clammy Ground-cherry
Coqueret hétérophylle

Plant Characteristics

Special Features and Considerations:

Seed and plant distribution status

No seeds available for this plant.
We currently accept seeds for this plant

Fun Facts

Clammy Ground-cherry is in the tomato family with yellowish flowers followed by small fruits enclosed in papery husks. The plant has somewhat sticky or hairy stems and leaves and typically grows in open fields, prairies, woodland edges, and disturbed areas. It prefers well-drained soil. The unusual lantern-like husks provide additional interest after flowering. It may be best planted with lots of space. It works well in an informal naturalized garden.

Plant Location

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Physalis heterophylla
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent

No ecozone information available for this plant.

Ecological Benefits

Sowing Information

Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: Surface sow
  • Sow anytime
  • Stratification duration: Not Available

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: September
  • Harvesting indicator:
    • Pods are brown and crisp and starting to open
    • Seeds are dark and tiny stem attaching to the main stem is brown
    • Seeds easily fall off pod when shaken
    • Little stem connecting the pod to the main stem is brown (not green)
  • Harvesting:
    • Open the pod, remove seeds
  • Seed viability test:
    • No test needed before donating
  • Packaging measure: None
  • Seed storage:
    • Air Dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp
    • Shake seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
  • Cultivar: No, you can donate without knowing the source as there are only straight species
  • Remove non-seed material
  • No harvesting video available at this time.

Toxicity Notes

Unripe fruits and other green plant parts contain compounds that can cause illness if consumed. Keep unripe fruit away from children and pets.