Bladder Ground Cherry
Physalis macrophysafam. Solanaceae
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Pl. 19DC — Physalis macrophysa
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IOverview
Overview
Bladder Ground Cherry (Physalis macrophysa) is a perennial plant native to regions including Alabama, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, and parts of Mexico, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Ontario, Québec, Tennessee, and Vermont. It thrives in full sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This plant reaches a height of about 1.5 meters and is known for its edible fruit. Its distinctive feature lies in the bladder-like calyx that encloses the cherry-sized fruit, setting it apart from other members of the nightshade family.
Quick answers
What is Bladder Ground Cherry?
Bladder Ground Cherry (Physalis macrophysa) is a perennial plant native to regions including Alabama, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, and parts of Mexico, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Ontario, Québec, Tennessee, and Vermont. It thrives in full sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bladder Ground Cherry thrives in full sun and requires moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is a perennial that grows up to 1.5 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions. Propagate via seeds or cuttings. The fruit is edible and ready for harvest when it turns from green to yellow.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Bladder Ground Cherry for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, light-loving perennial that thrives in various soil types.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, garden space, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant outdoors after the last frost, usually late spring.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with well-draining soil; amend if necessary for containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep; space seedlings 30-60 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy; mulch helps retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering as needed, especially during dry spells. Prune occasionally for shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any dead or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth; harvest fruits when ripe.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The Bladder Ground Cherry's fruit is edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. Typically, the small, orange fruits are eaten fresh but can also be used in jams or preserves.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
14 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
14 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 14 native
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Ontario, Québec, Tennessee, Vermont, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Southwest
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Solanaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Solanaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 19dc567c-cf29-4d4f-87ca-7b29078f6cf0
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