Ground Cherry, Sword groundcherry

Physalis lanceolata

Physical Characteristics

Physalis lanceolata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). It is frost tender. 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 dry or moist soil.

Distribution

N. America - South Carolina to Illinois, South Dakota, Wyoming, Kansas and New Mexico

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Edible fruit - raw or cooked[46, 161, 177]. 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. Bud clusters, harvested in the spring, used for food[257].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Poultice A decoction of the root has been used in the treatment of head aches and stomach problems[257]. The root has been used as a dressing for wounds[257].

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].