Physalis longifolia var. longifolia
Longleaf ground-cherry
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Family: Solanaceae · Type: Herb
Physalis longifolia var. longifolia (Longleaf ground-cherry) is a California herb in the Solanaceae family, recognized by . Distinctive narrow leaves and sparse pubescence.
Longleaf ground-cherry is a naturalized perennial herb found in disturbed places and fields at elevations below 1,000 meters. Flowering from June to October, this plant produces yellow flowers with distinctive purple spots or veins at the base, measuring 15 to 20 millimeters wide and bell-shaped. Growing with stems 20 to 60 centimeters tall, the plant has a sparse covering of unbranched hairs primarily on leaf margins and veins. Its leaves are lanceolate to elliptic, 4 to 7 centimeters long, with tapered bases and acute tips, generally entire but occasionally irregularly toothed. The plant's fruit-bearing calyx expands to 25 to 35 millimeters, creating a distinctive structural feature.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 0 sympatric species - geographically isolated. Distinctive narrow leaves and sparse pubescence.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed places, fields
Elevation: < 1000 m
Outside California: native to central and western United States
Bloom period
Physalis longifolia var. longifolia blooms Jun-Oct.
How to tell it apart
vs Solanum: Physalis fruit is enclosed in a papery lantern; Solanum berries are exposed.; vs Datura: Physalis has small flowers and papery lantern fruits; Datura has huge trumpet flowers and spiny capsules.; vs Chylismia: Physalis has 5-petaled flowers and lantern fruits; Chylismia has 4 petals and elongated capsules.; vs Mirabilis: Physalis has papery lantern fruits; Mirabilis has hard, ribbed fruits without any husk.; vs Capsicum: Physalis lantern completely encloses fruit; Capsicum peppers are fully exposed when ripe.
Frequently asked questions
When does Physalis longifolia var. longifolia bloom?
Physalis longifolia var. longifolia blooms Jun-Oct.
What plant family does Physalis longifolia var. longifolia belong to?
Physalis longifolia var. longifolia is in the Solanaceae family, genus Physalis.
What habitat does Physalis longifolia var. longifolia grow in?
Physalis longifolia var. longifolia grows in Disturbed places, fields.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.