Helianthus tuberosus

Also Known As

Helianthus tuberosus 'Jerusalem Artichoke'
Helianthus tuberousa
Jerusalem Artichoke
Perennial Sunflower - "Jerusalem Artichoke"

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber, fruit / vegetable

size

H: 6'-8'
W: 5'

planting zones

3a-8b

More Options

Helianthus tuberosus plant details

Helianthus tuberosus is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber or fruit / vegetable with green foliage. In fall yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and even moisture water. Does well in average and rich soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Helianthus tuberosus

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber or fruit / vegetable
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 5 FT wide, 6 FT - 8 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in fall
Uses: edible, spreading

GROWING CONDITIONS for Helianthus tuberosus

USDA Zones: 3a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and rich

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Helianthus tuberosus is a large, robust yellow sunflower that was and continues to be used, primarily, for its edible tubers. Unlike potatoes, the Jerusalem artichoke or sunchoke contains no starch but, rather, carbohydrate in a form that is metabolized into natural sugar. Delicious when boiled or roasted. Can also be eaten raw which imparts a sweet, nutty taste. The flowers are simply daisy-like with yellow rays and bright golden centers. Can also be used as an ornamental at the back of the sunny border but note that plants are vigorous rhizomatous spreaders. Pollinator attractor.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Flowers: yellow petals with dark centers (like a standard sun flower), main stem will branch and produce smaller stems with smaller flowers later in the season Leaves: deciduous, dies to ground each winter and re-sprouts from edible tubers Tubers: edible, harvest in winter. Similar to a medium sized potato, but with an artichoke heart flavor. Excellent in soups and stews, or can be pan fried.

By: Red Panda Nursery

Large edible tubers are produced in abundance by these native sunflowers. Our variety bears large 6-8" red smooth-skinned tubers, which need not be peeled for the kitchen, simply scrubbed. They are in more frequent use in European kitchens, especially in soups, and tubers harvested in the fall will keep for months in the fridge. They are vigorous growers, and can make a quick 8 ft tall hedge, with 4" wide yellow sunflowers in September. Plant in good deep soil if you intend to harvest them (in the fall). Otherwise they will grow in any average soil, just not too wet. Give them space, as they are indefatigable growers and spreaders. Contain the patch with deep boards, heavy plastic mulch or by mowing around them.