They always, however, have the potential to reproduce by vegetative means. Smooth groundcherry and clammy groundcherry are closely related species. Leaves are 2 to 3 inches long and slightly round-toothed. A round berry is produced that is enclosed with a papery covering resembling a Chinese lantern. The berry of smooth groundcherry is red to purple, while clammy groundcherry berries are yellow.
Berries contain numerous small, yellow, flattened, oval seeds.
Clammy groundcherry can be distinguished by its hairy stems and leaves, while smooth groundcherry is smooth to sparsely hairy. Clammy groundcherry stems are more branched, thus the plant appears bush-like. Both species reproduce by seeds and rootstocks. Control of perennial weeds may require a combination of all these methods. Consider the energy and environmental implications when choosing a method of control.