Height: 5-10+ feet
Spread: 2-3+ feet
Type: Perennial
Origin: Native to much of North America, including many counties in Oklahoma
Exposure: Full sun
Water: Moderate to moist but does fine with some drought
Edible:  Produces delicious and useful tubers which are called Jerusalem Artichokes or sunchokes and can be eaten raw or cooked.  The taste is similar to potatoes but with a sweet nuttiness and a hint of artichokes. Nutritionally the tubers are high in protein, and rich in iron, potassium and a range of B vitamins.  There is even a liquor distilled from the tuber.
Medicinal: Jerusalem artichokes have historically been used as a dietary supplement for people suffering from diabetes to reduce blood sugar levels and minimize the need for insulin.
Companions: Panicum virgatum (switch grass), Baptisia, Lespedeza, Desmanthus illinoensis (illinois bundleflower)

 Notes: Helianthus Tuberosus is in the sunflower family and the plants resemble bushy sunflowers.  The blooms are a very striking and profuse yellow which is quite a display and good at attracting birds and pollinators. There are a number of different varieties and the species has a lot of genetic diversity. The tubers color can be varying shades of red, white, brown and yellow.  It may have a tendency to overrun an area when not kept in check but it can be a great addition to either a perennial edible bed or interspersed in a native garden.  Works well with native grasses and legumes.  Oikos Tree Crops carries a very nice selection of varieties.  Success can also be had from planting grocery store bought tubers.  Natural food stores often stock them. Any plant that is both edible and native gets top marks from us!

Flower close up with bee