Physalis crassifolia – “Yellow Ground Cherry”

Also Known As: Thick-Leaved Ground Cherry, Yellow Nightshade Ground Cherry
Other Botanical Names: Physalis greenei
Family: Nightshade (Solonaceae)
Bloom Period: Mar-May
Form: Perennial herb
Habitat: Sandy, gravelly or rocky soils
Leaves: Ovate; alternate
Translation: “Physalis” is Greek for “inflated” or “bladdery,” and describes the puffed-out, papery covering around the developing fruit; “crassifolia” is Latin for “thick-leaved.”
Notes: Wild cousin of the Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica), the popular salsa ingredient, and Chinese Lantern (Physalis alkekengi), the garden ornamental. Fruits are edible. Photo shows on of the previous season’s dessicated fruit husks, which can persist on the plant until it flowers again.
Native American Uses: Native Americans ate the fruits of many other species in this genus, so my guess is that this one was also included in their diet, though I could not find a particular reference to it.