Helianthus tuberosus
Helianthus tuberosus, Jerusalem artichoke or sunchoke, is a large perennial sunflower with edible tuberous roots.
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.
Common Name: Sunchoke
Family: Asteraceae (The Aster/Daisy Family)
Zone Hardiness: 4-9
Light: Full Sun
Height: 6-10'
Width: 2-3'
Primary Bloom Colour: Yellow
Secondary Bloom Colour: Yellow
Class: Deciduous
Type: Perennial
Bloom Time: Summer - Fall
Soil Moisture: Average
Stem Colour:
Fragrance: No
Berries:
Benefits: Butterflies Bees
Deer Resistant: Unknown
BC Native: No
Native Habitat: Rich and damp thickets. Mesic to dry black soil prairies, gravel prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, limestone glades, and areas along railroads
Award: AGM
Geographical Origin:
