Helianthus tuberosus, commonly known as Jerusalem Artichoke, is a tall, native perennial sunflower found in prairies, open woodlands, and along roadsides throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Growing 2 to 8 feet tall, this sunflower produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers from late summer to fall, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its most notable feature is its edible, knobby tubers, which were historically used as a food source by Indigenous peoples and are still cultivated today. The tubers spread aggressively underground, making this plant well-suited for naturalized areas but potentially invasive in small gardens.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Helianthus tuberosus is a great choice for pollinator gardens, edible landscapes, and erosion control. However, due to its spreading nature, it is best planted in areas where it has room to expand or contained to prevent it from overtaking other plants. It pairs well with other tall native perennials like Joe-Pye Weed, Goldenrod, and Switchgrass.
Helianthus tuberosus, commonly known as Jerusalem Artichoke, is a tall, native perennial sunflower found in prairies, open woodlands, and along roadsides throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Growing 2 to 8 feet tall, this sunflower produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers from late summer to fall, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its most notable feature is its edible, knobby tubers, which were historically used as a food source by Indigenous peoples and are still cultivated today. The tubers spread aggressively underground, making this plant well-suited for naturalized areas but potentially invasive in small gardens.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Helianthus tuberosus is a great choice for pollinator gardens, edible landscapes, and erosion control. However, due to its spreading nature, it is best planted in areas where it has room to expand or contained to prevent it from overtaking other plants. It pairs well with other tall native perennials like Joe-Pye Weed, Goldenrod, and Switchgrass.
Bloom: late summer to fall
Habitats: areas along railroads; miscellaneous waste areas; moist meadows along rivers; moist to mesic black soil prairies; prairie remnants along railroads; roadsides; slopes of ditches and drainage canals
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist
Plant type (height): forb (2 to 8 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: fertile loam
