Walter's Groundcherry
Physalis walteri
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States, Virgin Islands
Scott Zona (www.flickr.com) from Miami, Florida, USA
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Solanaceae
- Genus:
- Physalis
- Species:
- Physalis walteri
- USDA Symbol:
- PHWA4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
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)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; surface sow and keep moist.