Helianthus tuberosus - Jerusalem artichoke

Height: 6’ to 10’
Spread: 5’ +
Light Needs: full sun to part shade
Water: average to moist
Flower color: yellow
Bloom time: August to September

This wildflower was cultivated and moved around by native Americans for its edible tuber. The Flora of the Southeast U.S. says that it is not native to the Carolinas but it is widespread through our region. It may be best considered as an edible North American native. This sunflower has tall stalks that are topped by large, bright yellow daisies. It can spread aggressively in ideal conditions. It grows best with consistent moisture but has some tolerance for drought. Tubers are reported to have a nutty flavor and may be grated raw into salads, boiled or roasted. An assortment of insect pollinators will visit this plant. Caterpillars of the silvery checkerspot butterfly and several moths feed on the foliage. Deer will browse on it.