Jerusalem artichoke Helianthus tuberosus
Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) is a deciduous perennial vegetable in the Asteraceae family, native to Eastern and central North America. It grows 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) tall and 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Jerusalem artichoke at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about September for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: tubers |
| Native to | Eastern and central North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇷🇺 Russia |
| Invasive in | Central Europe (locally invasive on riverbanks): check local rules before planting |
Is Jerusalem artichoke toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Tubers are edible; the inulin they contain commonly causes wind in people.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Jerusalem artichoke
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Shared pests and diseases
- Verticillium wilt: Verticillium lives in soil for years; hosts planted together or in sequence build it up. Evidence B
Questions about Jerusalem artichoke
- How far apart should I plant Jerusalem artichoke?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Jerusalem artichoke need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Jerusalem artichoke need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Jerusalem artichoke?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Jerusalem artichoke flower?
- From about September for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Jerusalem artichoke poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Tubers are edible; the inulin they contain commonly causes wind in people.
- What grows well with Jerusalem artichoke?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Jerusalem artichoke. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Spreads aggressively from tubers left in the soil; plant where it can be contained.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
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- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans
- Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus
- Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea
- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
- French tarragon Artemisia dracunculus