Jeruselem Artichoke
Jeruselem Artichoke
A north Florida native!
Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) is a tall, sunflower-like perennial renowned for its knobby inulin rich tubers, bright yellow flowers, and versatile uses in culinary, ecological and industrial applications. It’s a versatile, low-maintenance plant, feeding both humans and animals, as well as attracting pollinators!
Underground tubers vary from elongated to oval, with skin colors
ranging from pale brown, white, red, to purple. They are knobby,
often resembling ginger, with crisp, white flesh. Each plant may
produce dozens of tubers that can overwinter in soil and resprout in spring if not harvested. The tubers are rich in potassium, iron, B vitamins, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. While low in starch, they are high in Inulin which acts as a prebiotic, supporting beneficial gut bacteria and potentially helping regulate blood sugar, contributing to their sweet, nutty flavor and benefiting digestive health. The roots also make abundant animal fodder!
Zones 3-9, tolerating both cold winters and droughts once established. Jerusalem artichokes thrive in a wide range of soils—loamy, sandy, or clay—preferring fertile, well-drained soil.
NOTE: the plant grows aggressively, so some control and maintenance is required to control spread.
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