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Physalis pubescens Linnaeus. Common name: Downy Ground-cherry, Husk-tomato. Phenology: Jul-Sep; Aug-Oct. Habitat: Disturbed areas. Distribution: Widespread in the American tropics, north to PA and IA.

Origin/Endemic status: Native

Taxonomy Comments: Varieties are sometimes recognized. Var. integrifolia has leaves entire or with few teeth, usually 1-4 teeth per side; leaf blade thin in texture, flaccid and translucent; fruiting calyces 1.2-2.5 cm long, 1-1.5 cm wide, the lobes ovate to deltoid, the apex acute, 3-3.5 mm long. Var. pubescens has leaves mostly toothed nearly to the base with 5-8 teeth per side; leaf blade thick in texture, not translucent; fruiting calyces 2-3.5 cm long, 1.2-3 cm wide, the lobes triangular to narrowly lanceolate, the apex narrowly acute to acuminate, (3.5-) 4.5-6.5 mm long.

Synonymy ⓘ: = Bah, Fl6, FNA14, Il, K4, Mex, Mo3, Va, W, WH3, Martínez (1998), Sullivan (2004); = n/a — Tat; = Physalis pubescens L. var. pubescens — RAB; > Physalis barbadensis Jacq. — G, S; > Physalis barbadensis Jacq. var. barbadensis — F; > Physalis integrifolia (Dunal) D.B.Ward — Ward (2008a); > Physalis pruinosa L., misapplied; > Physalis pubescens L. — F, G, S; > Physalis pubescens L. var. integrifolia (Dunal) Waterf. — C, GrPl, NcTx, NE, Pa, Tn, Tx; > Physalis pubescens L. var. pubescens — C, GrPl, NcTx, Pa, Tn, Tx; > Physalis turbinata Medik. — G, NcTx, S, Tx; Physalis pubescens L. Basionym: Physalis pubescens L. 1753

Links to other floras: = Physalis pubescens - FNA14

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Wetland Indicator Status:

  • Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: UPL
  • Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FACU
  • Great Plains: FACU
  • Midwest: UPL
  • Northcentral & Northeast: UPL

Heliophily ⓘ: 9

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image of plant© Gary P. Fleming | Original Image ⭷
image of plant© Paul Marcum source
image of plant© Nathan Aaron CC-BY | Original Image ⭷
image of plant© Paul Marcum source
image of plant© Gary P. Fleming | Original Image ⭷

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Horticultural Information

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