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Integrated Crop Management
Integrated Crop Management
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Clammy groundcherry

Clammy groundcherry                   Physalis heterophylla  Nees.

Family:   Solanaceae (Nightshade family)

Life cycle:  Perennial, reproducing by seed and rhizomes

Habitat:   Pastures, waste areas, crop fields.

General description:  Erect plant up to 3 ft tall.  Leaves alternate, up to 4 in long, ovate, densely pubescent.  Leaf margins entire to shallowly indented.  Mature stems ridged rather than smooth. Pale yellow corolla has dark center.  Fruit is a yellow berry surrounded by papery calyx (Japanese lantern).

Key ID traits:  Densely pubescent, ovate leaves, ‘Japanese lantern’ fruit.

ovate leaves heavily pubescent with prominent veins
Ovate leaves heavily pubescent with prominent veins
flowers with dark center in corolla
Flowers with dark center in corolla
Authored by:
Bob Hartzler
Bob Hartzler
  • Retired Weed Scientist and Professor of Agronomy
Dr. Bob Hartzler is a former professor of agronomy and a former extension weed specialist with a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology from Iowa State University. He conducted research on weed biology and how it impacts the efficacy of weed management programs in corn and soybean. Dr. Hartzler also taught undergraduate classes in weed science and weed identification.
Meaghan Anderson
Meaghan Anderson
  • Field Agronomist in Central Iowa
Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist serving nine counties in central Iowa and an extension specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Areas of expertise include weed management, weed biology, cover crops, corn and soybean management, and integrated pest management.

Meaghan holds a bachelor's degree in agronomy and a master's degree in crop production and physiology (focus: weed science) from Iowa State University.

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