Common Name: Prairie Ground Cherry

General Information

Physalis pumila is an erect to recumbent, herbaceous perennial plant growing from a deeply buried, stout, rhizomatous rootstock; it can grow around 15 - 40cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

The unripe fruits and foliage of Physalis species contain solanine and other solanidine alkaloids and are toxic if ingested in large quantities. The ripe fruiys are usually edible, and several species are cultivated for these fruits[].

Botanical References

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Range

Central and eastern N. America - Washington, Montana and Minnesota, south to Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Louisiana

Habitat

Dry, rocky soil, prairies, fields, disturbed habitats; at elevations from 100 - 600 metres[]. (var pumila) Sandhills, dunes, sandy floodplains, sandy prairies and roadsides; at elevations from 500 - 2,000 metres[]. (var hispida)

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in the milder parts of this country. If it proves to be tender, it should be possible to treat it as an annual, sowing the seed in early spring in a warm greenhouse and planting out after the last expected frosts[]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. Used in sauces[]. 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.

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow early to mid spring in a greenhouse only just covering the seed. Germination usually takes place quickly and freely. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots of fairly rich soil when they are large enough to handle and plant them out after the last expected frosts. Consider giving them some protection such as a cloche until they are growing away well. Diurnal temperature fluctuations assist germination[].
Division in spring[]. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Basal cuttings in early summer[]. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.