Strawberry Groundcherry
Alkekengi officinarum
- Native to:
- Albania, Bulgaria, China, Greece, Hainan, Iran, Iraq, Korea, Lebanon-Syria, NW. Balkan Pen., Pakistan, Romania, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe
Shu Suehiro
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Solanaceae
- Genus:
- Alkekengi
- Species:
- Alkekengi officinarum
- USDA Symbol:
- PHAL5
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- orange, red
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers fertile soil with organic matter
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best after cold stratification; sow in spring after last frost.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)