The large orange-red, two inch papery pods of Chinese lantern (Physalis alkekengi) are often used to accentuate Halloween or Thanksgiving flower arrangements.
Although called “Chinese Lantern,” this perennial is actually native to Japan and southeast Europe where it’s sometimes referred to as ground, Jerusalem, or winter cherry or husk tomato.
Due to its wide-spreading root system, the plant should be grown in a pot or planted in places where its invasiveness is not a problem.
This plant grows best in full sun, however, it will tolerate partial to light shade but not wet soil. When mature, it grows between 18 to 24 inches tall, has heart-shaped leaves, and displays white 5-petaled flowers.
The unripe seeds borne within the papery seed pods of this species are poisonous. Nevertheless, they are used as an offering to the spirits of the dead during “Bon Festival,” a Japanese Buddhist celebration similar to the Mexican “Day of the Dead” three day event held in the fall of each year.
It has had medicinal uses as an anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and cough suppressant and for fevers, malaria, and bed wetting.
Ed Myers is an advanced master gardener and a past president of both the Irvington Garden Club and the Garfield Park Master Gardener Association. Additionally, he is the Steward of both the Kile Oak Habitat and Benton House Historic Gardens. He may be reached by emailing: EMyers3670@aol.com.
