Smooth Groundcherry, Longleaf Groundcherry

Physalis longifolia Nutt. var. subglabrata (Mackenzie & Bush) Cronq.

Solanaceae (Nightshade Family)

▲ new purplish shoot emerging in spring

▲ ▼ young plants

▲ flower

▲ fruiting plants

▲ ▼ fruit

Groundcherry:

·         three most common species are creeping perennial weeds in pastures, gardens, cultivated fields, waste areas; one species is summer annual

·         much branched stems, yellow-white flowers and small berry fruit enclosed in papery "chinese lantern" structure; plants not spiny

o        Smooth Groundcherry: 

§         Creeping perennial with creeping roots

§         Less hairy plant, often with purplish stems

§         Leaves are triangular with teeth or lobes

§         Flower is yellow with maroon center

§         Fruit globe-shaped to slightly elongated

§         Virginia groundcherry has more elongated leaves, less lobes/teeth and less color in center of flowers; fruit are often more elongated