Clammy Ground Cherry (Physalis heterophylla): A Nightshade with Husked Fruit

Clammy Ground Cherry (Physalis heterophylla): A Nightshade with Husked Fruit

A gardener described a 2-foot tall plant with large heart/spade-shaped fuzzy green leaves, a hearty green stalk that felt moist when touched (like sweat), tiny yellow dime-sized flowers, and a "green" smell.

Expert Identification

The plant is likely clammy ground cherry (Physalis heterophylla), related to tomatillo and cape gooseberry. It's in the nightshade family, so all parts except ripe fruit are toxic. Husked fruits appear after flowering. Appearance varies by location; flowers may have a brown/black "face," leaves can be more or less fuzzy and serrated.

Clammy Ground Cherry