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 - [Summer B&B Pre-Order]

Family:  Asteraceae (The Asteraceae Family)

Zone Hardiness:  4-9

Light:  Full Sun

Height:  6-10'

Width:  2-3'

Primary Bloom Colour:  Yellow

Secondary Bloom Colour:  Yellow

Bloom Time:  Summer - Fall

Foliage Colour:  Green

Class:  Deciduous

Type:  Perennial

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:  North America