Plains Chinese Lantern
Quincula lobata (Physalis lobata)

Family: Nightshade (Solanaceae)
AKA: Purple-flowered Groundcherry, Purple Ground Cherry
Photo taken on: August 9, 2009
Location: Wet Mountains, Eastern CO
Life Zones: Plains to foothills
Habitat: Sandy soil, disturbed areas, roadsides

Low-growing, sprawling plant with fleshy leaves. Flowers have a woolly star in the center. Sepals grow to encase the fruit like a Chinese lantern.