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Jerusalem artichoke is a perennial sunflower relative that produces a profusion of bright yellow flowers atop ten foot stalks. It is valued for its edible tubers, which resemble the flavor of water chestnuts.

Latin Name

Helianthus tuberosus


Family

Asteraceae


Also Known As

Sunroot Sunchoke


Type of Plant

Perennials Perennials
Vegetables Vegetables

Bloom Season

August - September

Seasons

Fall Fall
Summer Summer

Specifications

Max height Max Height: 10'
Max spread Max Spread: 5'

Uses

  • Edible
  • Naturalize

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun
    Part Shade Part Shade

    Tolerances

  • Deer
  • Drought
  • Dry Soil
  • Shallow-Rocky Soil

  • Attracted Wildlife

    Birds Birds
    Butterflies Butterflies

    Colors


    Native Range

    Eastern North America


    History

    George Washington was growing Jerusalem artichokes at his Muddy Hole farm.


    Other Details

    Pollinator Pollinator
    Grown by Washington Grown by Washington

    Planted at Mount Vernon

    Planted at Mount Vernon Pioneer Farm

  • Pioneer Farm

  • Hardiness Zones

    3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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