Cutleaf Ground Cherry
Physalis angulata
Family: Solanaceae
What it is like
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.
Height (m): 0.8
Where it is found
Borders of woods and thickets, cultivated soil and waste places. Rich soils.
Southern N. America - Pennsylvania to Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri and Texas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Edible fruit - raw or cooked. Juicy and sub-acid. The fruit is up to 30mm in diameter. 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. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge. The leaves have been used to treat stomach disorders.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Other
Rating: 0
How it is grown
Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. This species is cultivated for its edible fruit in Europe.
Propagating it: Seed - sow March/April 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.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
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.