( photo / image / picture from donna in nc's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from donna in nc's Garden )
It looks to be Physalis alkekengi or chinese lantern plant, sometimes called a Jack O' Lantern plant. They turn orange and have a fruit in the center. Jerry
I agree it's Japanese or Chinese Lantern (terminology varies from region to region). The leaves don't look like tomatillo leaves--too large.
Physalis alkekengi is grown more as an ornamental plant and while mature fruit can be eaten, it is known to cause gastroenteritis and diarrhea in children. Ref: http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/ppack.info ... &p_sci=sci Jerry
Jerry, due to the foliage, could the OPs plants be Physalis longifolia? We call them "Ground Cherry." Just curious. http://www.missouriplants.com/Yellowalt/Physalis_longifolia_page.html[/u]
My ground cherries made a bushier plant than this but sure look similar. If its ground cherries they will drop off when ripe.
Well we have 35 Physalis to choose from and Physalis longifolia is one of them. I have only grown Physalis alkekengi and that was 30 years ago. I removed it as it was invasive and I did not want to deal with chasing it across the yard as its underground rhizomes meandered aimlessly. Leaf shape, size of fruit and growing characteristics would seem to be the distinguishing identifiers. Geographical areas of cultivation and popularity may also help eliminate certain varieties. Donna, How did you come by the plant? Jerry
I don't have it my dil planted it in her garden and thought it was a veggie and I thought it looked like a chinese lantern my 8 yr old grandson wanted to taste it and I told him no till I asked you all so as soon as you all answered I told his dad not to let him eat or taste it thanks for all the info the plant also has little yellow flowers on it I would like to get some and start it in my garden for looks thanks all I knew you would know
