Jerusalem artichoke
Helianthus tuberosus L.
Images
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Morphology
- Stem
- Erect, stout, branched above, rough or stiff-hairy, sometimes nearly glabrous.
- Leaves
- Variable, usually opposite below, alternate above, simple, stalked, ovate to lanceolate, 4 to 10 inches long, 2.5 to 6 inches wide, firm, upper surface rough, lower surface minutely pubescent; margins toothed; tips gradually tapered to points.
- Inflorescence
- Heads, 3 to numerous, terminal, 2.5 to 3.5 inch wide; bracts lanceolate to linear-lanceolate; equaling or exceeding disk; tips pointed.
- Flower
- Ray florets 10-20, 1 to 1.5 inch long, yellow; disk florets numerous, corollas yellow to orange.
- Fruit
- Achenes, about 1/4 inch long, flattened, glabrous, dark brown, tipped by 2 deciduous awns, enclosing small seed.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Along streams, moist thickets and draws, roadsides.
- Distribution
- East 3/4 of Kansas.
Practical Information
- Uses
- Many Native American tribes used the tubers for food, eating them raw, boiled, or roasted.
Additional Notes
Comments
The common name does not refer to the city of Jerusalem but is said to be a corruption of girasole, Italian for "turn-sun". Jerusalem artichoke has edible, tuberous rhizomes that form in the autumn.
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Asteraceae - Sunflower Family
- Life Span
- Perennial
- Height
- 3-10 feet
- Last Updated
- 2007-10-05
Color Groups
Yellow Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Blooms: August, September, October