Cutleaf Ground Cherry

Physalis angulata

Physical Characteristics

Physalis angulata is a ANNUAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). It is in leaf from May to October, in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Southern N. America - Pennsylvania to Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri and Texas.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Edible Uses: Edible fruit - raw or cooked[105, 177, 178]. Juicy and sub-acid[183]. The fruit is up to 30mm in diameter[235]. The plant conveniently wraps up each fruit in its own 'paper bag' (botanically, the calyx) to protect it from pests and the elements. This calyx is toxic and should not be eaten. Young leaves - cooked as a potherb[105, 177, 183]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Diuretic Expectorant Febrifuge The plant is diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge[178, 240]. The leaves have been used to treat stomach disorders[240].

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where many of the members have poisonous leaves and stems, though the full ripe fruits are usually edible[19, 65].