What is this plant? Good guy or bad weed? - Ask Extension
A lot of these popped up in my flower bed. Last spring it was evening primrose, but
this one is ugly. Should I use my dessert torch on them?
Knowledgebase
What is this plant? Good guy or bad weed? #871551
Asked June 04, 2024, 3:11 PM EDT
A lot of these popped up in my flower bed. Last spring it was evening primrose, but
this one is ugly. Should I use my dessert torch on them?
Hamilton County Ohio
Expert Response
Good morning and thank you for the laugh. No need for a torch, at least just yet. I believe this to be the Japanese lantern plant. It does go by a few other names as well, like Chinese lantern and bladder cherry. It can have a tendency to be invasive if left uncontrolled. People like to grow them in pots and you can even put the pot in the ground. Most parts of this plant are toxic to humans and pets when consumed, so please be aware. Here is a factsheet for your reference: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/physalis/
Thanks.
Thanks.
Thank you so much! I planted these two years ago and nothing came up. My grandmother used to grow chinese lanterns; I never saw the flower. I guess
I can go back to trying to poison the lesser celandine and chameleon vine.
From: "Ask Extension" <<personal data hidden>>
To: "mbernstein" <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Friday, June 7, 2024 10:17:22 AM
Subject: Re: What is this plant? Good guy or bad weed? (#0141470)
To: "mbernstein" <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Friday, June 7, 2024 10:17:22 AM
Subject: Re: What is this plant? Good guy or bad weed? (#0141470)
You are most welcome!!