Physalis angulata

Distinguished from P. virginiana by the absence of a deep rhizome (Physalis angulata is an annual while P. virginiana is a perennial), and yellow anthers, sometimes with a bluish tinge. Physalis virginiana has blue or violet anthers sometimes with a greenish tinge.

The annual species of Physalis are easily started from seed. Planted indoors during the late winter they can be transplanted outdoors in spring. The perennial species can be propagated from seed but are probably best grown from division, or from root cuttings. Seed germination is reported to improve with cold/moist stratification (Steffen 1997).

The Acadian French name for ground cherry is "corqueret," which is also the standard French name (Holmes 1990). The genus name "Physalis" means "plant with a bladdery husk." It grows in pastures, roadsides, fields, and disturbed ground throughout Louisiana and east Texas. The ripe fruit may be eaten raw or cooked and tastes like a sweet tomato. The fruits may also be made into jellies and jams (Chase 1965).

Alluvial soils, along streams and valleys, roadsides, and moist open woodlands.