Pollinator plant

Jerusalem Artichoke

Helianthus tuberosus

Linked agroforestry plant data
Pollinator recipe
Sign in to use recipes

Common names

76 names · 43 languages
EnglishYour language
+1 more nameShow fewer names
Other languages (42)
Dutch
  • Aardpeer[2][4]
  • Jeruzalemartisjok
  • knolzonnebloem
+1 more nameShow fewer names
  • topinamboer
French
+3 more namesShow fewer names
Afrikaans
  • Jerusalem artichoke[4]
Arabic
  • دوار الشمس الدرني[4]
Armenian
  • Գետնախնձոր[4]
Belarusian
  • Тапінамбур, ці Земляная груша[4]
Bosnian
Catalan
Chinese (Simplified)
Chinese (Traditional)
Croatian
  • Gomoljasti suncokret[4]
  • Jeruzalemska artičoka[4]
  • Slatki krumpir[4]
+2 more namesShow fewer names
Czech
  • slunečnice topinambur[4]
Danish
Estonian
Finnish
  • maa-artisokka[4]
German
Greek
  • Ηλίανθος ο κονδυλόριζος[4]
Hungarian
  • csicsóka[4]
  • vadcsicsóka[4]
Italian
Japanese
  • キクイモ[4]
Kazakh
  • Жер алмұрты[4]
Korean
Kurdish
  • Sêvarxin[4]
  • سێو بن عەرد (سێو بن عەرز[4]
Latvian
  • Bumbuļu topinambūrs[4]
Lithuanian
  • Bulvinė saulėgrąža[4]
Luxembourgish
  • Russesch Gromper[4]
Manx
  • Blaa greiney[4]
Mongolian
  • Булцуут наранцэцэг[4]
Norwegian
Ojibwe
  • Ogishkibwaak (a'skibwan)[4]
Polish
  • Słonecznik bulwiasty[4]
  • topinambur[4]
Portuguese
Romanian
  • Cartoful săracilor[4]
  • Guli[4]
  • Morcov porcesc[4]
+5 more namesShow fewer names
  • Măr de pământ[4]
  • Nap porcesc[4]
  • Pere iernatice[4]
  • Picioică[4]
  • Topinambur[4]
Russian
  • Подсолнечник клубненосный[4]
  • Подсолнечник сероватый[4]
  • Топинамбур[4]
Slovak
  • slnečnica hľuznatá[4]
Slovenian
  • topinambur[4]
Spanish
Swedish
  • jordärtskocka[4]
Turkish
  • yer elması[4]
Ukrainian
  • Земляна груша[4]
  • Топінамбур[4]
Welsh
  • Blodyn-yr-haul oddfog[4]
Zazaki
  • Saa bınê erdi[4]
Sources & name notes (4)

Names recorded in our plant catalogue and botanical sources, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

Numbered references identify names recorded by an external source. Other names are from our plant catalogue.

[1] Helianthus tuberosus — Plant Toolbox common names ↗

NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox; English common names in a United States horticultural reference.

Source records
  • Jerusalem Artichoke — ul#common_names > li:nth-of-type(2); heading: Common Name(s):; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Sunchoke — ul#common_names > li:nth-of-type(3); heading: Common Name(s):; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Earth Apple — ul#common_names > li:nth-of-type(1); heading: Common Name(s):; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Sunroot — ul#common_names > li:nth-of-type(4); heading: Common Name(s):; Helianthus tuberosus.
[2] Helianthus tuberosus — iNaturalist taxon names ↗

Community-curated iNaturalist taxonomy. This is a common-name attestation, not an independent botanical determination.

Source records
  • Jerusalem artichoke — results[0].names[1]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • sunchoke — results[0].names[2]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Aardpeer — results[0].names[44]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • topinambour — results[0].names[7]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Topinambur — results[0].names[14]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Earth apple — results[0].names[22]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Sunroot — results[0].names[21]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Tupinambo — results[0].names[30]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • artichaut de Jérusalem — results[0].names[8]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Hélianthe tubéreux — results[0].names[3]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Patate de Virginie — results[0].names[25]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • soleil vivace — results[0].names[10]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • truffe du Canada — results[0].names[9]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • carciofo di Gerusalemme — results[0].names[11]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • rapa tedesca — results[0].names[12]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Topinambur — results[0].names[5]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • alcachofra-girassol — results[0].names[13]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
[3] Catalogue of Life 2026-08-20 — Helianthus tuberosus ↗

Common names from World Plants, version 26.05, reproduced in Catalogue of Life 2026-08-20. License: CC BY.

Source records
  • Jerusalem Artichoke (EN) — VernacularName.tsv, line 140139; taxon 3K63N.
  • Topinambur (DE) — VernacularName.tsv, line 140140; taxon 3K63N.
[4] Helianthus tuberosus — iNaturalist taxon names ↗

Community-curated iNaturalist taxonomy; common-name attestation, not an independent botanical determination.

Source records
  • Jerusalem artichoke — results[0].names[1]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • sunchoke — results[0].names[2]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Aardpeer — results[0].names[44]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • topinambour — results[0].names[7]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Topinambur — results[0].names[14]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Earth apple — results[0].names[22]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Sunroot — results[0].names[21]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Tupinambo — results[0].names[30]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • artichaut de Jérusalem — results[0].names[8]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Hélianthe tubéreux — results[0].names[3]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Patate de Virginie — results[0].names[25]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • soleil vivace — results[0].names[10]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • truffe du Canada — results[0].names[9]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • carciofo di Gerusalemme — results[0].names[11]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • rapa tedesca — results[0].names[12]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Topinambur — results[0].names[5]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • alcachofra-girassol — results[0].names[13]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • nyàmera — results[0].names[6]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • slunečnice topinambur — results[0].names[15]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • maapirn — results[0].names[16]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Jordskok — results[0].names[17]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Ηλίανθος ο κονδυλόριζος — results[0].names[18]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • 菊芋 — results[0].names[19]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • 뚱딴지 — results[0].names[20]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Blaa greiney — results[0].names[23]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Топинамбур — results[0].names[24]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Saa bınê erdi — results[0].names[26]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Sêvarxin — results[0].names[27]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Жер алмұрты — results[0].names[28]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Blodyn-yr-haul oddfog — results[0].names[29]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • jordskokk — results[0].names[31]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • maa-artisokka — results[0].names[32]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Bulvinė saulėgrąža — results[0].names[33]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Słonecznik bulwiasty — results[0].names[34]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Čičoka — results[0].names[35]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Jeruzalemska artičoka — results[0].names[36]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Gomoljasti suncokret — results[0].names[37]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Slatki krumpir — results[0].names[38]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Topinambur — results[0].names[39]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Подсолнечник клубненосный — results[0].names[40]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Ogishkibwaak (a'skibwan) — results[0].names[41]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • キクイモ — results[0].names[42]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • jordärtskocka — results[0].names[43]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Գետնախնձոր — results[0].names[45]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • yer elması — results[0].names[46]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Topinambur — results[0].names[47]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Picioică — results[0].names[48]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Măr de pământ — results[0].names[49]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Morcov porcesc — results[0].names[50]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Nap porcesc — results[0].names[51]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Pere iernatice — results[0].names[52]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Guli — results[0].names[53]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Cartoful săracilor — results[0].names[54]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Russesch Gromper — results[0].names[55]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Топінамбур — results[0].names[56]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Тапінамбур, ці Земляная груша — results[0].names[57]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • topinambur — results[0].names[58]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Подсолнечник сероватый — results[0].names[59]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • 洋姜 — results[0].names[60]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • 鬼子姜 — results[0].names[61]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Jerusalem artichoke — results[0].names[62]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • 菊芋 — results[0].names[63]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • csicsóka — results[0].names[64]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • vadcsicsóka — results[0].names[65]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Земляна груша — results[0].names[66]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • 洋薑 — results[0].names[67]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Čičoka — results[0].names[68]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • سێو بن عەرد (سێو بن عەرز — results[0].names[69]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • دوار الشمس الدرني — results[0].names[70]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Булцуут наранцэцэг — results[0].names[71]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • slnečnica hľuznatá — results[0].names[72]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • topinambur — results[0].names[73]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
  • Bumbuļu topinambūrs — results[0].names[74]; taxon id 122970; Helianthus tuberosus.
Plant references

Source-backed information

Published observations for this plant. Each reference supports the information beside it.

Taxonomy
Helianthus tuberosus is an accepted species in Catalogue of Life.

Taxonomic treatment in the August 2026 release; the catalogue record name is preserved.

Sources [1]
Botanical family
Asteraceae

Family in the cited taxonomic treatment.

Sources [1]
Mature height
1.83–3.05 m

NC State Extension profile. Converted from the source range in feet and inches; mature size varies with growing conditions.

Sources [2]
Mature spread
0.91–1.52 m

NC State Extension profile. Converted from the source range in feet and inches; mature size varies with growing conditions.

Sources [2]
Plant habit
Erect

NC State Extension profile.

Sources [2]
Life cycle
Perennial

NC State Extension profile.

Sources [2]
Growth rate
Rapid

NC State Extension profile.

Sources [2]
Foliage
Deciduous

NC State Extension profile.

Sources [2]
Light
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day); Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)

NC State Extension profile.

Sources [2]
Moisture and drainage
Good Drainage; Occasionally Dry

NC State Extension profile.

Sources [2]
Soil texture
Clay; High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt); Sand

NC State Extension profile.

Sources [2]
Soil pH
Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)

NC State Extension profile. These source categories do not certify the catalogue’s numeric pH interval.

Sources [2]
Flowering season
Autumn; Summer

NC State Extension profile. Seasons reflect the source region and do not verify the catalogue’s exact flowering months.

Sources [2]
Reported wildlife attraction
Listed as attracting: butterflies, pollinators.

NC State Extension profile. Broad wildlife categories; this does not establish flower visits by a named bee species or quantify nectar and pollen.

Sources [2]
Pollinator guidance
RHS includes Helianthus species in its Plants for Pollinators guidance.

Genus-level guidance, not a rating for this individual species or a particular cultivar. RHS planting guidance. Choose accessible flowers with pollen and nectar; reduced-resource and double-flowered forms may be unsuitable.

Sources [3]
Native range
C. & E. Canada to U.S.A.

Explicit native locality records in Kew WCVP v16; introduced and doubtful distributions excluded. Continent conversion follows the documented geographic mapping.

Sources [4]
Catalogue ratings

Who this plant supports

Honey bees

Medium suitability
Nectar value Medium
Pollen value Medium
Agroforestry database

Complete plant information

Open full plant profile

Structure

Vegetation layer
Herbaceous
Size
Small
Dimensions
2.40 m high × 0.60 m wide
Growth rate
N
Lifecycle
Perennial

Site conditions

USDA hardiness
4-8
Moisture
Well-drained, Moist
Soil
Sandy, Loamy, Clay
pH
Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Light
Partial shade, Sun

Uses

Edible parts
Coffee, Root, Sweetener
Functions
Biomass, Carbon farming
Edibility
4 out of 5
Medicinal value
1 out of 5

The tubers of the sunchoke plant can be eaten both raw and cooked. During the winter, the tubers develop a pleasant sweetness, especially after exposure to frost. They are reasonably tasty to eat raw, but in general, they are best cooked and can be used in the same way as potatoes. Sunchokes contain inulin, a starch that cannot be fully digested by the body, making them nutrient-rich but low in calories. Some people may have difficulty with inulin, as it can ferment in the intestines and cause gas. The tubers are quite large, growing up to 10 cm long and 6 cm in diameter. They break easily and lose moisture quickly, so it is best to leave them in the ground and harvest them as needed. The inulin in the tubers can be converted into fructose, a sweet substance that is safe for people with diabetes.

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Catalogue of Life Helianthus tuberosus — Catalogue of Life COL26.8

    COL26.8 (2026-08-20). Contributing checklist: Synonymic Checklists of the Vascular Plants of the World. This is taxonomic evidence, not an independent ecological study.

    Supports: TaxonomyBotanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: NameUsage.tsv line 335397; ID 3K63N; rank species; status accepted
    • Botanical family: NameUsage.tsv line 335397; ID 3K63N; rank species; status accepted

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 4.0.

  2. NC State Extension Helianthus tuberosus — Plant Toolbox

    NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Growing conditions and seasons reflect its United States horticultural context.

    Supports: Mature heightMature spreadPlant habitLife cycleGrowth rateFoliageLightMoisture and drainageSoil textureSoil pHFlowering seasonReported wildlife attraction
    Relevant sections
    • Mature height: Dimensions / Height
    • Mature spread: Dimensions / Width
    • Plant habit: Habit/Form
    • Life cycle: Life Cycle
    • Growth rate: Growth Rate
    • Foliage: Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics
    • Light: Light
    • Moisture and drainage: Soil Drainage
    • Soil texture: Soil Texture
    • Soil pH: Soil pH
    • Flowering season: Flower Bloom Time
    • Reported wildlife attraction: Attracts

    Source checked on .

  3. Royal Horticultural Society RHS Plants for Pollinators — Garden Plants

    RHS planting guidance; applicable flower-form restrictions are retained. General recommendations do not measure local nectar or pollen production.

    Supports: Pollinator guidance
    Relevant sections
    • Pollinator guidance: Page 4, column 1, entry Helianthus species (top 157 pt)

    Source checked on .

  4. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Helianthus tuberosus — Kew WCVP native distribution

    Native distribution and taxonomic treatment from the official WCVP v16 export (4 June 2026). The link opens the corresponding POWO taxon. Source rows are retained in the native-range audit archive.

    Supports: Native range
    Relevant sections
    • Native range: WCVP v16; wcvp_names.csv lines 841242; wcvp_distribution.csv native locality lines 1504764, 1504765, 1504766, 1504767, 1504768, 1504769, 1504770, 1504771, 1504772, 1504773, 1504774, 1504775, 1504776, 1504777, 1504778, 1504779, 1504780, 1504781, 1504782, 1504783, 1504784, 1504785, 1504786, 1504787, 1504788, 1504789, 1504790, 1504791, 1504792, 1504793, 1504794, 1504795, 1504796, 1504797, 1504798, 1504799, 1504800, 1504801, 1504802, 1504803, 1504804, 1504805, 1504806, 1504807, 1504808, 1504809, 1504810, 1504811, 1504812, 1504813

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.