Smooth Groundcherry

Seedling plant.  Key characteristics: leaves are alternate and lack hair.   Seedlings emerge from a rhizome.

Flowering plant.  Key characteristics: leaves are hairless, have irregularly-lobed margins and pointed tips.

Flowers.  Key characteristics: yellow with purple centers and five petals.

The fruit of smooth groundcherry is an inflated pod, resembling a hot-air balloon.

Life cycle: perennial.

Toxic Plant: although usually not a problem, cattle and horses have been reported to be affected after grazing.  The toxic substance in the plant is known as solanine, an alkaloid.  Many symptoms have been reported, including those affecting the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular and nervous systems.