Jerusalem Artichoke: Helianthus tuberosus:
Asteraceae
Jerusalem Artichoke © RSWacha, 1998
Description:
Flowering heads have from 10 to 20 yellow ray flowers that surround a central cluster of immature, greenish disc flowers, and a narrow band of mature, yellow disc flowers. Leaves are are attached to the stem in pairs, except near the top, where they may occur individually. Leaves are up to 30 cm long and 10 wide. Leaf margins have shallow teeth which terminate in small, sharp points, at intervals of 0.6 to 2.0 cm. The broadly lanceolate leaves have a recurved base which narrows as it tapers down each side of the petiole to meet the stem (winged petiole). The stem is rough. Found in woods and woodland edges. Helianthus tuberosus differs from H. strumosus in having larger leaves with sharper teeth, and rough, rather than smooth, stems. Native to N. A.