Jerusalem Artichoke, Canada Potato, Earth Apple, Girasole, Indian Potato, Pignut, Sunchoke, Sunroot, Helianthus tomentosus
Helianthus tuberosus, commonly known as Jerusalem Artichoke, Sunchoke, Earth Apple, or Sunroot, is a tall, robust herbaceous perennial grown for its nutritious, edible tubers and showy yellow flowers. Despite the name, it is neither an artichoke nor from Jerusalem. It belongs to the sunflower family (Asteraceae), which includes lettuce, chicory, sunflower, daisy, calendula, tarragon, and wormwood.
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.
The original native range of Jerusalem Artichoke likely extends from eastern Canada (including Newfoundland, Ontario, and Saskatchewan) south through the eastern and central United States, reaching as far as Georgia, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Texas. It typically grows in old fields, moist thickets, woodland edges, streambanks, and other open or disturbed habitats.
Now naturalized throughout most of the United States, it has also been widely introduced in Europe, Asia, and other regions.
This fast-growing, upright perennial root vegetable spreads vigorously through its edible underground tubers, gradually forming dense, bushy clumps or colonies.
Mature plants reach 6 to 10 feet (180–300 cm) tall and 3 to 5 feet (90–150 cm) wide. The plant grows quickly during the growing season and can become weedy or invasive if not managed.
Perennial in USDA zones 3–9, Jerusalem Artichoke returns reliably year after year. The above-ground stems and leaves die back in winter and regrow each spring from the tubers.
Bright yellow daisy-like flowers bloom in late summer to fall. Each flower head is 2–4 inches across, with 10–20 petals surrounding a yellow disk. The flowers are borne on stout, rough, branching stems.
Produces small dry seeds (cypselae) in late fall.
Leaves are large (up to 10 inches or 25 cm), ovate, rough-textured, and hairy. Lower leaves grow opposite; upper leaves alternate.
Jerusalem Artichoke tubers were an important food source for Native Americans and are still cultivated today for their high nutritional value. Unlike potatoes, they contain no starch, storing energy instead as inulin, a type of soluble fiber.
The tubers are knobby and irregular, often resembling a cross between a potato and a ginger root. Their flesh is crisp and white, while the thin skin can range in color from red to brown or tan, depending on the variety.
These tubers have a mildly sweet, nutty flavor, similar to water chestnuts or artichoke hearts. They can be eaten raw or cooked.
Hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9. Jerusalem artichokes tolerate cold winters and hot summers.
Jerusalem Artichoke is highly beneficial to wildlife. Its bright yellow flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. It serves as a larval host plant for the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly, providing critical habitat for its caterpillars.
In late summer and fall, the seeds are a valuable food source for birds such as finches and sparrows. The tall stems also offer shelter and nesting support for insects and small animals, contributing to overall garden biodiversity.
Moderately resistant to deer and rabbits, thanks to coarse, hairy foliage.
Jerusalem Artichoke is moderately drought-tolerant once established. While it prefers moist, well-drained soils and grows best with regular watering, it can withstand short periods of dry conditions without significant loss in vigor. However, extended drought may reduce tuber yield and overall plant size.
Non-toxic. However, large quantities may cause digestive discomfort (gas) due to high inulin content.
Jerusalem artichoke spreads rapidly through its prolific underground tubers. A single plant can produce 75–200 tubers in one growing season, each capable of sending up multiple shoots. Tubers often remain in the soil after harvesting or removal, and even small fragments can quickly regenerate. As a result, the plant is extremely persistent and difficult to eradicate once established. In some regions, it is recognized as a serious agricultural weed.
Tubers can stay viable in the soil for one to two years, meaning regrowth is likely unless all tubers are thoroughly removed.
Effective control requires consistent effort—pulling or mowing new shoots repeatedly over two to three years or using physical barriers to contain the spread.
Jerusalem artichokes thrive in full sun (6+ hours/day) and will tolerate partial shade, though yields are best in full sun
Prefers loose, fertile, well-drained soil. Slightly alkaline pH (7–7.5) is ideal, but they are adaptable and will also grow in neutral to slightly acidic soils. Avoid compacted or soggy clay soils.
Moderate water needs. Consistent moisture promotes healthy growth and tuber production. Mulch helps retain moisture. Once established, plants are drought-tolerant but regular watering improves tuber size and quality.
Adding compost or aged manure before planting is recommended. Supplemental fertilizer is rarely needed if soil is rich, but in poor soils, a balanced or slightly phosphorus-rich fertilizer can be used
Plant tubers in early spring (or fall in mild regions), 4 inches (10 cm) deep and 2 feet (60 cm) apart. Each piece should have 2–3 buds. Avoid letting tubers dry out.
Allow 2–3 feet between plants for airflow and growth. Plants can grow 6–10 feet tall and become bushy.
Apply mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature. In cold zones, use mulch for overwintering.
Cut back to 4–5 feet in summer to reduce wind damage and improve compactness. Deadhead if desired to prevent self-seeding.
Tubers overwinter in the ground. In cold areas, mulch heavily or store tubers indoors in a cool, dry place.
Tall plants may need support in windy sites
Harvest in late fall (October–December), about two weeks after flowering. Tubers are sweetest after the first frost.
Dig tubers carefully with a fork. Store some tubers in the ground for replanting. Clean gently and refrigerate or store in a cool cellar.
– Don’t delay harvest; tubers left in soil may sprout early.
– Choose smoother varieties to reduce peeling effort.
– Consider containers to contain spread.
Plant whole tubers or pieces with 2–3 eyes in spring or fall. Avoid letting pieces dry out.
This plant spreads vigorously via rhizomes and will return each year unless completely dug up.
– Spring after last frost
– Fall before hard freeze (in mild climates)
Yes, Jerusalem artichoke is native to central and eastern North America and was cultivated by Native Americans long before European contact.
Despite the name, it is not from Jerusalem and not related to artichokes. The name likely comes from a mishearing of the Italian word for sunflower (“girasole”) or from the Dutch city Terneuzen, where the plant was distributed in Europe.
The tubers have a mildly sweet, nutty flavor, similar to water chestnuts or artichoke hearts. Raw, they are crisp; cooked, they become soft and slightly sweet.
Tubers can be eaten raw (sliced in salads), roasted, boiled, mashed, sautéed, or added to soups and stews. They can also be pickled or made into chips.
They may be a good alternative to potatoes for some diabetics because they contain inulin (a soluble fiber) instead of starch, resulting in a lower glycemic index. However, individuals should consult a healthcare professional before making dietary changes.
Yes. The high inulin content can cause gas and digestive discomfort for some people, earning it the nickname “fartichoke”.
Yes, it can spread aggressively through its tubers and become weedy if not contained. It’s best to plant it in a dedicated area or large container to prevent unwanted spreading.
Harvest in late fall or winter, after the tops die back and after a frost for best flavor. Dig tubers carefully with a fork and store them in a cool, dark place or leave them in the ground until needed.
No. Jerusalem artichoke is a sunflower relative in the Asteraceae family, not related to globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus).
Hardiness |
3 - 9 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Compositae |
Genus | Helianthus |
Common names | Jerusalem Artichoke |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Late), Fall |
Height | 6' - 10' (180cm - 3m) |
Spread | 3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm) |
Spacing | 36" - 60" (90cm - 150cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maryland, Delaware, Maine, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Midwest, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas, Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, South Dakota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies, Bees |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage |
Hardiness |
3 - 9 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Compositae |
Genus | Helianthus |
Common names | Jerusalem Artichoke |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Late), Fall |
Height | 6' - 10' (180cm - 3m) |
Spread | 3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm) |
Spacing | 36" - 60" (90cm - 150cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maryland, Delaware, Maine, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Midwest, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas, Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, South Dakota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies, Bees |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage |
How many Helianthus tuberosus (Jerusalem Artichoke) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Helianthus tuberosus (Jerusalem Artichoke) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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