This plant showed up as a seedling in one of my pots on the back stoop. I did not know what is was (still don't) but I thought it looked interesting, so I let it be. It grew & grew & grew until it finally began budding. Here is the rather disappointing result. I took a photo before I yanked the thing out.
So well said Ronni. Oh, Cayunga, after all that care you just ripped it out!! Well, at least you got to see it's very tiny flower.
Looks like Physalis cinerascens. If you agree, your pics would be a helpful addition to the database entry here: https://www.gardenstew.com/plantstew/504367 If that is what it is, the fruits are more interesting-looking than the blooms, but not the bright orange of the species called "Chinese lanterns." https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=12653
Nice little flower,..it certainly looks like the flower produced before a fruit will appear,..is it a Chinese Lantern,..the leaf is very similar,..it surely resembles my Chinese Lantern plant though i will have to wait to see it flower,..image below.
@purpleinopp The flower looks remarkably similar but the leaf shape is slightly different, more toothed. ??
I am not sure if your question is in regard to comparing your plant to Philip's, or to the species I suggested. I was also unsure if Philip's comment means his plant is Chinese lantern or the other species I suggested.
@purpleinopp if you were in our household, you'd be saying 'Confudido! confudido!'!! I can see why though. I wasn't at all clear. I was comparing my plant leaves to the species you suggested. The flowers do look alike, the leaves not so much, imo. I hesitate to upload a photo when I am not sure if it is a proper id. I wonder though if you do have it in the right family, Physalus. I think Philip was saying he had Chinese Lantern. Is that right @Philip Nulty ?
The Physalis genus has various species. The one I suggested comparing your plant to is P. cinerascens, with "lanterns" that are still interesting looking but not as colorful: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PHCIC3 https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PHCIC3 Philip said his plant is Chinese lantern, a different species of Physalis, which has more colorful bracts, Physalis alkekengi: https://www.gardenstew.com/plantstew/30589 Physalis genus is in the Solanaceae family.
Cayuga Morning,..correct,..mine is the Chinese Lantern,..'Physalis alkekengi',..though it has not bloomed as yet,....waiting waiting
If it is some kind of Physalis, when the seed pods form it should be obvious if they turn bright orange. If they do not, some other species is the likely ID.
Hi Purple, Unfortunately I have already weeded this thing out. If one shows up next year, I will let it go to seed, just out of curiosity's sake.
