Species PlantsJerusalem Artichoke

Jerusalem Artichoke

Helianthus tuberosus

CommonPlant
Illustration of Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus)

Jerusalem Artichoke, or sunchoke, is a native sunflower that produces edible, starchy tubers. It was cultivated by indigenous peoples across eastern North America as a food staple long before European contact. It can form aggressive colonies along roadsides and stream banks. The tubers are consumed by deer, bears, and small mammals during winter.

Habitat
Stream banks, roadsides, and disturbed areas across eastern North America
Diet
Tubers eaten by deer and small mammals; seeds consumed by birds
How common
Common

Recent Jerusalem Artichoke sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Jerusalem Artichoke? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.

Get Huck — free

More plants

Adam's Needle
Adam's Needle
Yucca filamentosa
Adonis Blazingstar
Adonis Blazingstar
Mentzelia multiflora
Allegheny Blackberry
Allegheny Blackberry
Rubus allegheniensis
Allegheny Monkeyflower
Allegheny Monkeyflower
Mimulus ringens
Allegheny Serviceberry
Allegheny Serviceberry
Amelanchier laevis
American Alumroot
American Alumroot
Heuchera americana
American Basswood
American Basswood
Tilia americana
American Beautyberry
American Beautyberry
Callicarpa americana