Chinese Lantern (Physalis alkekengi)
DESCRIPTION:
A unique plant, and gardeners definitely love unique! The round pods that form near the fruit of this plants are so cool looking! They are paper-like in texture, and definitely add interest to a container or flower display. However, anyone who has grown them knows how easily they can take over, making them a lot more annoying than cool. You might be tempted by these interesting plants, but there are definitely better options out there.
BE AWARE:
If the berries on this plant are ripe, they’re edible. But if not, they can cause headache, vomiting, breathing problems, and numbness.
Stay away! This plant is aggressive, weedy, and potentially deadly. This is enough to put it in the “don’t plant” category.
Haunted South: Hauntings, Urban Legends, History, Folklore, Mythology and Southern Folk Magic 