Helianthus tuberosus (Jerusalem Artichoke)

Helianthus tuberosus (Jerusalem Artichoke) is a showy perennial with broad, thick leaves and a profusion of attractive, brilliant flowers, 2-4 in. (5-10 cm), each with up to 10-20 bright yellow rays surrounding a darker yellow central disk. Produced in late summer to early fall, the blossoms are borne on stout, rough, branching stems. They are particularly attractive to birds as they love to eat the seeds directly from the seedheads.

Jerusalem Artichoke was an important food plant for native Americans. It is still grown today for the harvest of the tubers since they are highly nutritious and, unlike potatoes, contain no starch. Rich with an artichoke taste, the tubers may be eaten fresh or raw, boiled or roasted like potatoes.

Grown for its attractive and showy sunflowers or for its edible tubers, Jerusalem Artichoke is perfect for naturalized areas where it can spread to form colonies.

• Typically grows up to 6-10 ft. tall (180-300 cm) and 3-5 ft. wide (90-150 cm). Will spread by rhizomes and self-seeding to form colonies. Once planted in the landscape, this herbaceous perennial is difficult to remove.
• Prefers full sun or part shade in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. However, this plant is not too fussy about soils and tolerates a wide range of conditions as long as there is good drainage. Drought tolerant, but performs best with consistent moisture. May need staking, particularly if grown in exposed locations.
• Low maintenance, this is an excellent choice for vegetable gardens, cottage gardens, bird or butterfly gardens, wildflower gardens, prairies, and meadows.
• Attractive to birds, and butterflies, it is deer resistant.
• Plant tubers in the garden after last spring frost date or in fall after the first frost has occurred.
• Native to North America