Shoo Fly (Nicandra physaloides)

Family: Solanaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Nicandra physaloides is a ANNUAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit. No more details are given. The fruit is a berry about 15mm in diameter. Young leaves - boiled. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. — No more details are given.; The fruit is a berry about 15mm in diameter.; Young leaves - boiled.; Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Habitat & North American Range

Naturalized in waste places and near dwellings in much of N. America. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)