Jerusalem-artichoke
Helianthus tuberosus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Jerusalem artichoke is a native North American sunflower that blooms yellow flowers from August through October across most US states. This hardy perennial produces edible tubers and attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Jerusalem-artichoke as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
48"–120" H × 24"–36" W
Bloom
Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
AL, AR, CO, CT and 38 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Jerusalem artichoke is a tall native sunflower that produces bright yellow daisy-like blooms in late summer and fall. This robust perennial can reach 6-10 feet tall and spreads by underground tubers to form colonies over time.
Growing Jerusalem-artichoke
Grow Jerusalem-artichoke in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 48 to 120 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Jerusalem-artichoke takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Grows very tall and can appear unruly
- Spreads aggressively by tubers
- May look weedy or unkempt to traditional landscaping standards
Wildlife value
The abundant yellow flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and beetles during late season when few other plants are blooming. Birds enjoy the seeds in fall and winter.
Common questions
- When does Jerusalem artichoke bloom?
- Jerusalem artichoke blooms from August through October, producing bright yellow sunflower-like flowers.
- What pollinators visit Jerusalem artichoke?
- Jerusalem artichoke attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles with its late-season yellow flowers.
- Where is Jerusalem artichoke native?
- Jerusalem artichoke is native to most US states from Maine to Florida and west to Washington, including the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain regions.
- What growing conditions does Jerusalem artichoke prefer?
- Jerusalem artichoke grows best in full sun with medium water conditions but tolerates a wide range of light and moisture levels.
- Is Jerusalem-artichoke toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Jerusalem-artichoke as toxic to livestock.
- Is Jerusalem-artichoke HOA-friendly?
- Jerusalem-artichoke takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Jerusalem-artichoke? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz