Species library · Berries & fruit

Foraging Ground Cherry

Physalis angulata

Typically in season from January to December, peaking around July to November in the northern hemisphere. Found in Disturbed ground, Woodland edges. Has toxic lookalikes, so check carefully.

Ground Cherry (Physalis angulata)

Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子 · iNaturalist

When Ground Cherry is in season

Typical window in the northern hemisphere, peak July to November. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset, and your own timing depends on local weather, so check your town.

→ Everything in season to forage in September

Where it grows

Ground Cherry is usually found in Disturbed ground, Woodland edges.

⚠ Look-alikes & safety

Toxic look-alikes: Apple-of-Peru, Black nightshade, Chinese lantern. Only forage with a confident ID.

Take Ground Cherry into the field

Open Ground Cherry in the Forage app for its full field guide entry with more photos, key features and toxic lookalikes to check against. Add it to your watchlist and the app pings you the moment it comes into season at your exact spot, worked out from live weather, elevation and billions of occurrence records.

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Ground Cherry: common questions

When is Ground Cherry in season?

Ground Cherry is generally in season from January to December, with its peak around July to November in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather. Check the Season Finder for your own location.

Where does Ground Cherry grow?

Ground Cherry is usually found in Disturbed ground, Woodland edges.

Is Ground Cherry safe to forage?

Toxic look-alikes: Apple-of-Peru, Black nightshade, Chinese lantern. Only forage with a confident ID. Never eat any wild plant, berry, nut or mushroom unless you are completely certain of the identification. Check every find against a reliable field guide, and when in doubt, don't.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits