Walter's Groundcherry
Physalis walteri
Scott Zona from Miami, Florida, USA
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Solanaceae
- Genus:
- Physalis
- Species:
- Physalis walteri
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 2-3 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may, jun, jul, aug, sep
- Bloom Colors:
- Yellow
Native Range
United States: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia
Keystone Species Ranking
- Bee Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Aristotelia physaliella, corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), Five-spotted hawk moth (Manduca quinquemaculatus), Potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella), Symmetrischema lavernella, Tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens), tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to sandy habitats like dunes and scrublands