Physalis pubescens Linnaeus. Downy Ground-cherry, Husk-tomato. Phen: Jul-Sep; Aug-Oct. Hab: Disturbed areas. Dist: 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, 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 – C, GrPl, K1, NcTx, NE, Pa, Tn, Tx; > Physalis pubescens L. var. pubescens – C, GrPl, K1, NcTx, Pa, Tn, Tx; > Physalis turbinata Medik. – G, NcTx, S, Tx

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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