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Physalis crassifolia – Yellow nightshade groundcherry

 

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

 

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