Sunchoke (Jerusalem Artichoke)

Sunchoke (Jerusalem Artichoke)A large, robust yellow perennial sunflower with broad, thick leaves and rough, hairy stems. It has an extensive native range in the United States and Canada, and is naturalized in every state at this point due to its extensive cultivation by Native Americans of the Great Plains, and has spread eastward. The edible tuber is highly nutritious and, unlike potatoes, contains no starch, but rather carbohydrate in a form that is metabolized into natural

A large, robust yellow perennial sunflower with broad, thick leaves and rough, hairy stems. It has an extensive native range in the United States and Canada, and is naturalized in every state at this point due to its extensive cultivation by Native Americans of the Great Plains, and has spread eastward. The edible tuber is highly nutritious and, unlike potatoes, contains no starch, but rather carbohydrate in a form that is metabolized into natural sugar.  Be careful, however, because many people experience stomach issues if they consume this tuber, especially in large quantities.

Care

Zones 3-9. Sunchokes have low water needs.  Water when soil is completely dry as needed.  They prefer full sun and average, well draining soil.  They even tolerate clay soil more than most!

Growth Habit

Can spread aggressively, so choose a location for them with care!  They can also get 6-12ft tall.  Typically found along woodland borders and in thickets.  They usually bloom late summer through autumn.