Scientific Family
Solanaceae
Other common names
ground cherry
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual
Height
3/4 to 2 feet
Riparian
Yes
A branched, erect, slender annual with fine hairs throughout.
Alternate leaves, flower parts in 5 with united petals and two-celled ovary. Flowers are solitary in leaf axils. Fine hairs thoughout.
Main stem seldon branching from the base. Calyx becomes greatly enlarged, papery and encloses the globose, berry.
Habitat
Usually found along streams in partial shade.
Plant Community
Riparian
Low elevation
3000
High elevation
6000
Flower Characteristics
Flowers bloom from the leaf axils and are bell-shaped, about 1/2 inch long. They have five dark spots in the throat and five stamens
tipped with blue anthers.
Flower color
Greenish to whitish-yellow
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
August
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
None
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
The oval or heart-shaped leaves are 1 to 3-1/2 inches long and have smooth or toothed edges. The stem is densely hairy and grows from a taproot.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
A ribbed, lanternlike structure 3/4 to 1-1/2 inches long contains the berry. It is very pale yellow-green, drying to light brown.
Fruit type
Berry-like
Fruit color
Yellow-green to light brown
Seeds are very tiny, light brown and disc-shaped.