Cedar Creek
Natural History Area

Plants of Cedar Creek

 Family SOLANACEAE

(Potato Family)

Only four representatives of the Potato Family occur at CCNHA.  Two species of Physalis (Ground Cherries) are found here in old fields.  The most common and widespread is P. virginiana (Slender Ground Cherry). P. heterophylla (Broad-leaved Ground Cherry) occurs in CCT, BP and a few other fields.

Three species of Solanum (Nightshades) occur here—S. ptycanthum, S. dulcamara, and S. sarachoides.  All three are relatively uncommon occurring primarily at homesites. The last two species are introduced.  Berries are poisonous.

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*Chamaesaracha grandiflora (Large White Groundcherry) occurs in northern Minnesota.   Also found in this Family are your  potato, tomato, petunia and tobacco.
 

jhaar@lter.umn.edu Last updated May 2002