Jerusalem Artichoke

Plant Info

Also known as:
Scientific name:	Helianthus tuberosus
Family:	Aster (Asteraceae)
Life cycle:	perennial
Origin:	native
Habitat:	sun to part shade; moist fields, thickets, edges of woods
Bloom season:	late summer
Plant height:	3 to 10 feet
USDA PLANTS database:	Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:	Long Lake Regional Park

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Detailed Information

Flower:

Flower is up to 3½ inches across made up of 10 to 20 yellow petals and a yellow-orange center.

The bracts on the underside of the flower are sharply pointed and usually hairy.

Leaves and stem:

Leaves are up to 10 inches long and 5 inches wide; gradually taper to a point at the tip and abruptly narrow near the base. They have serated edges and are hairy underneath. Attachment is opposite but may be alternate near the top of the plant. The stem is covered with stiff hairs, giving it a rough feel. It can be a reddish color.

More photos

• full length of plant, about 6 feet tall

More yellow wildflowers. All photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN, August-September, 2006.

Comments

Have you seen this plant in Ramsey County, or have any other comments about it?

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Please: Do not ask about where to buy seed or other gardening questions, are plants edible, etc. I am not a horticulturist or botanist, just an enthusiastic hobbyist so I probably don't know the answer. Please check the links page for additional resources. -thanks much

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