Virginia Ground Cherry (Physalis virginiana)

 This wildflower is a member of the Solanaceae (Potato Family).

A perennial herb, 12-24" tall with a stem containing short hairs. The 0.75" wide yellow flower is bell shaped with brown spots in the center and droops. It has 5 shallow lobes and yellow anthers. Bloom time May thru August. Look for this flower in dry woods, fields, and clearings. The fruit is a red-orange and looks like a small tomato-like-berry surrounded by a papery husk. Native Americans ate the fully ripe fruit raw and used it in sauces. Extracts from this plant have been shown to have anti-cancer properties and an infusion of the entire plant has been used to treat dizziness.