Jerusalem Artichoke, Helianthus tuberosus, White Stampede or Red Fescue
1 Pound of Jerusalem Artichokes. White Stampede or Red Fescue
Sunchokes are a herbaceous perennial vegetable with an edible tuber. They can be harvested at any time of year, grow well in poor soil with little care, and have twice the calories per acre of corn. Just leave a tuber in the hole after harvest and the cycle continues. Wonderful survival food, livestock feed, or general free yourself from industrial agriculture food.
Common Names: Jerusalem Artichoke, Sunchoke
Latin name: Helianthus tuberosus
Other Names: Sunroot, Earth Apple
Family: Asteraceae
Zone Compatibility: Zones 2-10
Light Requirements: Prefers full sun, tolerates partial shade
Moisture Requirements: Moderate, mesic
Soil pH: Tolerates a broad range of soil pH
Growth Habit: Spreads
Height: 4-12+ feet
Growth Rate: Fast
Native Region: A broad range throughout Eastern North America. As far south as Texas, and as far north as Saskatchewan Canada
Native Habitat: Meadows, thickets
Edible Parts: Tuber: when eaten raw it tastes like a water chestnut, cooked it is comparable to potato
Edibility Season: Anytime of the year. They can even be harvested in winter as long as the ground can be dug.
Other Uses: Provides shelter and nectar for beneficial insects, medicinal
Planting: They can be planted at any time of the year.
Harvesting: Dig up the tubers and enjoy. One tuber can be left behind per plant, although this is sometimes unnecessary as there are usually enough tubers left behind on accident to allow for next seasons regrowth. Stands can be left neglected for years and they will self-maintain, although older tubers are less enjoyable to eat.