Is lantern fruit the same as tomatillo? An Essential Guide to the Differences

December 12, 2025 •

3 min read

Though both the Chinese lantern plant and the tomatillo belong to the Physalis genus, a critical botanical difference exists between them, as confirmed by numerous sources. This guide will definitively answer, 'Is lantern fruit the same as tomatillo?' and clarify the key distinctions for safety and culinary purposes.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals the crucial distinctions between the edible tomatillo and the toxic Chinese lantern plant, exploring their botanical classifications, visual cues, and safety considerations to prevent dangerous confusion.

Key Points

Toxic vs. Edible: The Chinese lantern plant is toxic and ornamental, while the tomatillo is an edible culinary fruit.
Husk Color Difference: Chinese lantern husks turn a distinct bright orange or red; tomatillo husks are green or straw-colored.
Culinary Application: Tomatillos are used widely in Mexican cooking for salsas and sauces, while lantern fruit is for decorative use only.
Key Flower Identifier: Tomatillo plants have yellow flowers with dark centers, whereas Chinese lantern plants produce yellowish-white flowers.
Handle with Care: Never consume any part of a Chinese lantern plant; its toxicity makes it unsafe for both humans and some animals.

Despite their similar papery husks, the Chinese lantern plant (Physalis alkekengi) and the tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica or P. ixocarpa) are distinctly different species within the nightshade family (Solanaceae). The most significant difference is that the Chinese lantern fruit is poisonous, while the tomatillo is a popular, edible crop. This common mix-up can have dangerous consequences, making proper identification essential for gardeners and home cooks.

The Botanical Relationship and Core Differences

Both plants are members of the extensive Physalis genus, which is characterized by fruits enclosed in an inflated, paper-like calyx, or husk. This shared trait is the source of the frequent confusion. However, their physical and functional purposes diverge significantly.

Chinese Lantern Plant (Physalis alkekengi)

The Chinese lantern plant is a perennial species primarily cultivated for its striking, decorative, bright orange-red husks that resemble paper lanterns. All parts of this plant, including the fruit inside, are considered toxic due to the presence of chemicals like solanine. The plant and its husks are most often used in floral arrangements, especially for fall and winter displays, not for consumption.

Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica)

Tomatillos are annual plants native to Mexico and Central America, where they are a culinary staple. Unlike the Chinese lantern, the fruit of the tomatillo is edible and prized for its tangy, acidic flavor. It is the essential ingredient for traditional Mexican salsa verde. The husks of the tomatillo are typically green or straw-colored and split open when the fruit is ripe. The fruit inside is firm and covered in a sticky film that should be rinsed off before use.

Visual Cues for Proper Identification

Properly distinguishing between the two plants is crucial. Here are some key visual differences to look for:

Husk Color and Ripening: The most obvious difference is the husk's color. Chinese lantern husks mature to a vibrant orange or red, whereas tomatillo husks remain green or yellow-brown. Tomatillo husks also fully fill with fruit and split open, while the lantern fruit's husk simply dries and fades.
Flowers: The flowers on the plants are different. Tomatillo plants produce yellow flowers with dark, purple-tinged spots. Chinese lantern plants, by contrast, have inconspicuous yellowish-white flowers.
Fruit Appearance and Texture: The fruit of the tomatillo is a green or sometimes purple-colored berry that completely fills its papery husk. The fruit of the Chinese lantern is smaller and less conspicuous within its ornamental husk.
Plant Height: Chinese lantern plants generally grow shorter, around 30 inches, while tomatillo plants are often taller and more sprawling, sometimes requiring staking.

Chinese Lantern Plant vs. Tomatillo: A Comparison


Feature	Chinese Lantern Plant (Physalis alkekengi)	Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica)
Edibility	Toxic and inedible.	Edible and used in many recipes.
Husk Color	Bright orange or red when mature.	Green or straw-colored when ripe.
Primary Use	Ornamental and decorative.	Culinary, especially in Mexican cuisine.
Fruit Size	Small, often remaining inconspicuous.	Golf-ball size or larger, fully filling the husk.
Flower Color	Inconspicuous yellowish-white.	Yellow with dark purple spots.
Ripening Cue	Husk turns a vibrant orange/red.	Husk splits open when fruit is ripe.
Toxicity	All parts of the plant, including the fruit, are poisonous.	Safe to eat once husk is removed.

Understanding the Physalis Genus

The confusion between the Chinese lantern and tomatillo is compounded by other edible species within the Physalis genus, such as ground cherries and Cape gooseberries. These fruits are also wrapped in a husk but are generally smaller and sweeter than tomatillos, with a pineapple or citrus-like flavor. They are often used in jams, jellies, or desserts. However, it is always imperative to know exactly which Physalis species you are growing or harvesting to avoid accidental poisoning.

Conclusion

In summary, while the papery husk might suggest a relationship, the Chinese lantern fruit and tomatillo are not the same, and mistaking them can be dangerous. The vivid orange-red of the Chinese lantern's husk signals a decorative and toxic plant, while the tomatillo's green or straw-colored, splitting husk encloses a prized edible fruit. By paying close attention to these distinct visual cues and understanding their different purposes, you can safely enjoy the tangy flavor of tomatillos in your kitchen and leave the ornamental lanterns in the garden. For more in-depth information, resources from botanical gardens are highly valuable.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Chinese lantern fruit is poisonous. All parts of the Chinese lantern plant (Physalis alkekengi), including its fruit, are considered toxic and should not be consumed.

The most visible difference is the husk color. Chinese lantern husks turn a bright orange or red when mature, whereas tomatillo husks remain green or straw-colored and split open when ripe.

A tomatillo has a distinctively tangy, tart, and acidic flavor. When cooked, its flavor mellows and sweetens slightly, which is why it is excellent for salsas and sauces.

No. Ground cherries, like Cape gooseberries, are different edible species within the same Physalis genus. They produce smaller, sweeter fruits and are often used in jams and desserts, unlike tomatillos and the inedible Chinese lantern fruit.

Tomatillos are a staple in Mexican cuisine, most famously used as the base for salsa verde (green sauce). They are also used in sauces, stews, chutneys, and can be eaten raw.

Beyond the fruit and husk, you can distinguish the plants by their flowers. Tomatillo plants have yellow flowers with a distinctive purple-spotted center, while Chinese lantern plants produce inconspicuous whitish-yellow flowers.

No, ripening does not eliminate the toxicity of the Chinese lantern plant. All parts of the plant are considered poisonous, and it should not be eaten at any stage of its growth.