Jerusalem Artichoke

(Helianthus tuberosus)

Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Helianthus tuberosus, commonly known as Jerusalem Artichoke, is a deciduous perennial herb native to North America, specifically found in a variety of habitats including open woodlands, along riverbanks, and in prairies and fields from the central United States to the eastern seaboard and parts of Canada. It can reach heights of 1.5–3 meters (4 ft 11 in – 9 ft 10 in) and is characterized by its rough, hairy leaves which are opposite on the lower stem and alternate at the top. The plant produces showy yellow flowers in late summer to fall, with each flowerhead measuring 5–10 cm (2.0–3.9 in) in diameter and consisting of 10–20 ray florets and over 60 disc florets. The tubers are a notable feature, resembling ginger root, and come in various colors including pale brown, white, red, or purple.

Jerusalem Artichoke is valued for its edible tubers, which have a crisp texture and are used as a root vegetable. It is also appreciated for its ease of maintenance and tolerance to a range of soil conditions. This plant is commonly used in vegetable gardens and as a naturalized addition to wildflower meadows. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, though it can tolerate poorer soils. It requires low to moderate watering once established. While it has many benefits, Helianthus tuberosus can be invasive outside its native range, and its aggressive growth can make it difficult to control. It is important to manage its spread to prevent it from becoming a problem in non-native ecosystems.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 6-10 feet
  • Width: 3-5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, riverbanks, and prairies and fields in North America

Other Names

Common Names: Sunroot, Sunchoke, Wild Sunflower, Earth Apple, Iroquois Potato, Jerusalem Sunflower, Topinambur, Topinambour, Hélianthe Tubéreux, Aardpeer

Scientific Names: , Helianthus tuberosus, Helianthus tomentosus, Helianthus doronicoides, Helianthus subcanescens, Helianthus tuberosus var. subcanescens, Helianthus serotinus, Helianthus tuberosus var. albus, Helianthus tuberosus var. purpureus, Helianthus tuberosus f. oswaldiae

GBIF Accepted Name: Helianthus tuberosus L.