Ground Cherries

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This information is for reference only, if you think your horse has eaten something toxic, call your vet right away.

Ground Cherries

Names: P longifolia var. subglabrata (smooth groundcherry) and P. heterophylla (clammy groundcherry), hog-plum, husk-tomato, wild-pompion, Chinese lantern, bladder cherry

Description: Smooth groundcherry has a smooth stalk and clammy groundcherry has a densely hairy stalk, both grow one to three feet. Stems are ringed, hollow and have spreading branches. Leaves are unevenly toothed, diamond shaped and alternate. Flowers are bell-shaped, yellow and may have violet spots in the center. Fruit grows in a five-sided pod which hangs from the plant, fruit itself is a green to purple berry.

Concern level: High due to extreme toxicity.

Toxic parts: Stems, leaves and unripe berries

Symptoms: Stomach pain, dumbness, dilation of pupils, lack of appetite, diarrhea, lack of coordination, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, weakness, difficulty breathing, drooling, unconsciousness, death.

Danger: Contains a glycoalkaloid called solanine which irritate the digestive tract, and the central nervous system. Can be fatal.