Names
Scientific Name: Physalis crassifolia
Synonym:
Common Names: Yellow nightshade ground cherry, thick-leafed ground cherry
Characteristics
Duration: Annual/perennial
Growth Habit: Forb/herb subshrub
Arizona Native Status: Native
Habitat: Dry, rocky slopes, 3,000 feet or lower
Flower Color: Yellow with brown or purple center
Flowering Season: February to October
Height: Up to 2 1/2 feet
Description: This member of the nightshade family has thick oval leaves ½ to 1 inch in diameter. Leaves and stems are coated in hairs. The plant’s bell-shaped yellow flowers have five indistinct petals. Fruits are red and tomato-like, housed within a paper husk that is inflated and lantern shaped, like that of a tomatillo.
Special Characteristics
The fruit of the ground cherry can be eaten and is sometimes made into jams or jellies.
Classification
Order: Solonales
Family: Solanaceae
SOURCES:
Kearney, T. H. and R. H. Peebles. 1960. Arizona Flora. Los Angeles: University of California Press.
Desert USA website: desertusa.com/flowers/Yellow-Nightshade-Ground-Cherry.html
