Solanaceae

Physalis hederifolia

Common Names: Prarie ground cherry

Plant Form: Perennial herb. Size: Up to 60 cm tall. Stem: Branched, spreading, ribbed, and with very short hairs. Leaves: Light green, mostly alternate along stem, but upper leaves can be opposite. Some hairs on edges and veins. Egg shaped with wavy edges. Often curled inwards. Flowers: Pale yellow, bell-shaped 3 cm diameter, with 5 fused petals. Fruit and Seeds: Orange coloured globular berry up to 1.5 cm diameter in bladder like case. 51-74 seeds per berry. Habitat: Pastures, crops, roadsides. Distinguishing Features: Combination of features are distinct. Impacts: Unpalatable for stock, outcompetes crop species.

Fruit and leaves

Larger plant (H Wu)

Flower

Leaves

Orange fruit inside papery cover