Physalis longifolia in the EPPO region: addition to the EPPO Alert List
Why
Physalis longifolia (Solanaceae) is recorded as present in the EPPO region where it can occur in agricultural fields. The EPPO Panel on Invasive Alien Plants are seeking further information on any additional occurrences of P. longifolia the EPPO region.
Geographical distribution
EPPO region: Austria, Italy
Africa: Kenya, Mauritius, Reunion, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Asia: Myanmar, Republic of Korea
North America: United States of America* (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming)
Oceania: Australia (Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria)
* = Native distribution
Morphology
Physalis longifolia is a perennial herb arising from a deep caudex and spreading by shoots from lateral roots. The stems are erect, often branching, and typically covered with fine hairs, giving them a rough texture, 30-100 cm tall, often purplish.
Biology and Ecology
The average number of seeds per plant is approximately 400 though large plants can produce almost 4 000 seeds per year. Small pieces of rhizomes can regenerate into viable plants.
Habitats
Physalis longifolia can grow in cultivated land, pastures and roadsides. In Austria, it has been recorded in soybean and maize fields.
Pathways for movement
International pathways include seed as a contaminant of grain and seed for planting. Seed can be moved via agricultural practices. Natural spread is by animals eating the fruit and spread the seed in their droppings. The fruit float and can be spread by moving water.
Impacts
Physalis longifolia can have a negative impact on crop yields when it invades agricultural areas. It can directly compete with crops and can also have economic impacts by contaminating crops. P. longifolia is a host for several plant pests, e.g. Bactericera cockerelli (EPPO A1 List). All parts of the plant are toxic.
Control
Management measures include physical and mechanical control measures. Control using herbicides is possible, however, their use in certain habitats is restricted.
Sources
Corral CAR, Cooper WR, Horton D, Miliczky E, Riebe J, Waters T, Wildung M, Karasev AV (2021) Association of Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) with the perennial weed Physalis longifolia (Solanales: Solanaceae) in the potato-growing regions of Western Idaho. Environmental Entomology 50 1416-1424.
Portal to the Flora of Italy (2026) Physalis longifolia Nutt. https://dryades.units.it/floritaly/index.php?procedure=taxon_page&tipo=all&id=12749
Zernig K, Griebl N, Kniely G, Kundigraber W, Leonhartsberger S, Pȍltl M, Stȍhr O (2025) Bemerkenswertes zur Flora der Steiermark 12. Natura Styriaca 1, 208–220.