Etymology: Physalis: from the Greek physalis, "a bladder," because of the inflated calyx
Plants: erect, perennial, 8"-36" tall forb; upper part of the stems with dense, soft hairs; colony-forming rhizomes
Leaves: stalked, mostly broadly-ovate with a sharp point and rounded to heart-shaped base, usually 1 1/4"- 3" long, entire or with irregular wavy teeth, hairy on both sides
Flowers: yellow with dark spots in the center, 5-parted, 1/2"-3/4" wide, shallow funnel-shaped, stalked; solitary from the leaf axils; blooms June-Sept.
Fruits: green berry, the covering much larger than the berry, the tip mostly closed, base notched, and hairy all over
Habitat: dry; woods, prairies; in sandy soil
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 3 Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"