Common Name:
WHITE-FLOWERED GROUND-CHERRY
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Coefficient of Conservatism:
5
Coefficient of Wetness:
5
Wetness Index:
UPL
Physiognomy:
Nt A-Forb
A. A. Reznicek
Grows in a fairly narrow belt from Quebec and northern New England across the northern Great Lakes region and into Saskatchewan. To find it, one needs to understand its restricted habitat: sandy, gravelly, or rocky disturbed areas (including floodplains). It thrives a year or two after bulldozing, clearing, or fire, and survives for only 2–3 years if the area is not kept disturbed. Dumps, gravel pits, and roadsides may have extensive stands, along with construction sites.
Prior to European settlement, this species was presumably dependent on fire for its appearance, and indeed, Pinno & Errignton (2016) noted that in Alberta, Leucophysalis was an indicator species of high burn severity, where the forest fire was severe enough to expose mineral soil.
Although usually said to be an annual, may live for an additional year or two. A large bushy plant covered with sometimes as many as 300 white flowers (3–) 3.5–5 (–8) cm wide is a handsome sight, but the foliage is malodorous and clammy-pubescent. Small plants may bear only one flower or a few. The blooming season is long, and large plants, or a large stand, may be relied upon for flowers from late May until early September.