Clammy Ground Cherry
Physalis heterophylla
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Pl. 09AE — Physalis heterophylla
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IOverview
Overview
Clammy Ground Cherry (Physalis heterophylla) is a perennial forb or herb native to the eastern and central United States, from Alabama to Wisconsin, and into parts of Canada such as Ontario and Québec. This plant thrives in light to partial sun with varying moisture levels, from dry to moist soil types including sandy, medium, and clay soils. Known for its edible fruit, which can be enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary applications, Clammy Ground Cherry is also valued for its ornamental qualities due to its distinctive foliage and flowers. Its adaptability makes it a versatile addition to gardens where it can grow up to 0.9 meters tall.
Quick answers
What is Clammy Ground Cherry?
Clammy Ground Cherry (Physalis heterophylla) is a perennial forb or herb native to the eastern and central United States, from Alabama to Wisconsin, and into parts of Canada such as Ontario and Québec.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Clammy Ground Cherry thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to dry conditions, with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil. It is hardy in zones 7-10 and can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. This perennial plant grows up to 0.9 meters tall and is native to several states across the central and eastern United States. For best results, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but well-draining, as it is not overly fussy about water requirements.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
7-10
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.9 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Clammy Ground Cherry for the first time
8steps
Start with Clammy Ground Cherry as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors about 4 weeks before planting out.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with light to partial sun. Ensure soil is well-draining; amend if necessary.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, or plant seedlings at 30-60 cm apart in the garden.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist and mulch around plants to retain moisture. Watch for pests.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Prune occasionally to encourage bushy growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any dead or yellowing leaves to maintain plant health and appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune, not providing enough sun, and waiting too long to harvest.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The Clammy Ground Cherry's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. Typically, the small, sweet fruits are enjoyed fresh but can also be dried for later use. They add a pleasant flavor to jams and jellies as well.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
21 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
21 native · 1 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 21 native· 1 introduced
Broader regions
native:Wisconsin, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, Québec, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington, Wyoming, Alabama
introduced:West Himalaya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 09aee6ef-1beb-4f75-bd2b-884ebffea02e
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