Strawberry Groundcherry
NameStrawberry Groundcherry
Scientific NamePhysalis pruinosa
Common NamesStrawberry Groundcherry, Husk Cherry, Ground Cherry
Plant FamilySolanaceae
Natural HabitatNative to the Americas, it thrives in disturbed soils, open fields, gardens, and along roadsides, preferring full sun and well-drained soil. It is often found as a garden escapee or a mild weed.
Parts Usedfruit,leaf
Medicinal Actionsanti-inflammatory,antioxidant,diuretic
Traditional UsesTraditionally, the ripe fruits have been consumed for their nutritional value, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and as a mild diuretic. In some folk medicine, the plant (often the leaves or whole plant, with caution) has been used externally for skin conditions or internally for fever and inflammation, though internal use of parts other than ripe fruit requires careful preparation due to potential toxicity.
Active ConstituentsPhysalins, Withanolides, Flavonoids, Carotenoids, Vitamin C
Preparation Methodsinfusion,powder
Contraindications & WarningsUnripe fruits and other parts of the plant (leaves, stems) contain solanine and other toxic alkaloids and should not be consumed. Only fully ripe fruits, indicated by their orange-yellow color and easily detached husk, are safe to eat. Individuals with allergies to the Solanaceae family should exercise caution.
Cultivation NotesThis plant is easily grown from seed in full sun and well-drained soil. It prefers warm temperatures and can self-seed readily, often behaving like a mild weed in favorable conditions. Provide adequate space as plants can spread.
Raritycommon
Description
Strawberry Groundcherry is an annual herbaceous plant known for its small, sweet, orange-yellow fruits encased in a papery husk (calyx). Its flowers are pale yellow with five dark purple-brown spots at the base of the corolla, as seen in the image, and it has hairy stems and leaves. The plant typically grows to about 1-2 feet tall and wide.
