Helianthus tuberosus

Jerusalem Artichoke, Abbie Korolik

Jerusalem Artichoke, Abbie Korolik 2014

Photo Courtesy of K. Hubeny

Common Name(s) Jerusalem Artichoke
Scientific Name Helianthus tuberosus
Family Asteraceae
Location/Vegetative Zone Thicket
Flowering Period Fall
Identifying Characteristics 4-10 feet tall, hairy leaves with yellow flowers

 

Description

  • Between 4 and 10 feet tall
  • Yellow flowers
    • 1/5 to 3 inches in diameter
  • Rough, hairy, opposite arranged leaves
  • Tubers (structure of roots) resemble ginger root
    • Brown, red, white, or purple in color
  • Clumped, knotted roots
  • Bloom in the fall, growing well in mostly non-clay soil, especially alkaline soil

Medicinal/Edible Uses

  • Grown for food in times of famine as an alternative to the potato
    • Europe and Native Americans

Cultural Uses

  • Fermented for alcohol

Sources

“Jerusalem Artichoke, Helianthus tuberosus”. Natural Medicinal Herbs. Spiritual Knowledge: Led Ziarovsky. Web.

 

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