Sunchoke
Helianthus tuberosus
Also listed as Helianthus tomentosus, Helianthemum tuberosum
Also known as Sunroot, Earth Apple, Jerusalem artichoke
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A tall perennial with sunflower-like yellow blooms and edible tubers that develop underground. Grows vigorously and can spread aggressively, making it useful as both an ornamental and food crop.
Why grow it
Jerusalem artichoke produces edible tubers with a nutty flavor and yields more calories per acre than many root crops, making it practical for food production in poor soils where other vegetables struggle. The plants flower reliably in most climates and require minimal fertilizer or pest management once established, reducing input costs compared to conventional vegetable cultivation. Unlike potatoes, the tubers can remain in the ground and be harvested incrementally through winter.
Watch out for
Tuber yield and size vary considerably depending on soil quality and moisture availability, so productivity may be unpredictable on marginal sites. The plants are quite tall (often 6 to 10 feet) and may shade nearby plantings or require staking in windy locations. Some people experience digestive discomfort when consuming large quantities of raw tubers due to their inulin content, so gradual introduction is advisable.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Central and North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Common cultivars include 'Fuseau' (smoother tubers, easier to peel) and 'Red Burgundy' (red-skinned, high yield). Both are widely grown for culinary use and storage.
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A tall perennial with sunflower-like yellow blooms and edible tubers that develop underground. Grows vigorously and can spread aggressively, making it useful as both an ornamental and food crop.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Sunchoke grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Jerusalem artichoke produces edible tubers with a nutty flavor and yields more calories per acre than many root crops, making it practical for food production in poor soils where other vegetables struggle. The plants flower reliably in most climates and require minimal fertilizer or pest management once established, reducing input costs compared to conventional vegetable cultivation. Unlike potatoes, the tubers can remain in the ground and be harvested incrementally through winter.
Watch out for
Tuber yield and size vary considerably depending on soil quality and moisture availability, so productivity may be unpredictable on marginal sites. The plants are quite tall (often 6 to 10 feet) and may shade nearby plantings or require staking in windy locations. Some people experience digestive discomfort when consuming large quantities of raw tubers due to their inulin content, so gradual introduction is advisable.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Central and North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar herbs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Common cultivars include 'Fuseau' (smoother tubers, easier to peel) and 'Red Burgundy' (red-skinned, high yield). Both are widely grown for culinary use and storage.