Viewing post #168820 by chelle

Dave was right on this one.

This is a form of helianthus tuberosus.

Here is one of the most comprehensive and informative links I've found. http://www.oardc.ohio-state.ed...

This is an excerpt of the definitions section that I've adjusted with bold letters and underlining in some of the most pertinent areas.

The Ohio Perennial and Biennial Weed Guide says -

>>>>Plant Description: It is nearly impossible to distinguish Jerusalem artichoke from annual sunflowers based on above-ground growth. Jerusalem artichoke has a coarse, 5- to 10-foot tall stem, large leaves with a rough upper surface, and bright yellow sunflower-like flowers. However, Jerusalem artichoke can be easily distinguished from annual sunflowers by its below-ground growth that includes fleshy tubers resembling thin, knotty potatoes. Reproduction of Jerusalem artichoke is by seeds, rhizomes (horizontal underground stems), and tubers.

* Root system - The root system is fibrous with thin cord-like rhizomes (horizontal underground stems) that grow as long as 50 inches. Usually apparent at the tips of rhizomes are whitish to pinkish tubers that are irregular in size and shape and resemble a slender potato with knots.
* Seedlings & Shoots - The first leaves to emerge (cotyledons) have a united base in the shape of a short tube. Young leaves are elliptic, dull green, and covered with short stiff hairs.
* Stems - Jerusalem artichoke stems grow as tall as 12 feet, and are stout, rough, hairy, ridged. Stems can become woody over time. Branches vary from none to many.
* Leaves - Leaves are opposite (2 leaves per node) on the lower part of the stem, and alternate (1 leaf per node) near the top of the stem. Leaves are 4 to 10 inches long and nearly heart-shaped with a broad oval base and pointed tip. The thick leaves have 3 distinct main veins, coarsely-toothed margins, and attach to the stem by way of a [winged stalk (petiole). The upper leaf surface has coarse hairs while the lower surface has soft hairs.
* Flowers - Flower heads occur alone or in groups at the ends of main stems and axillary branches. Each flower head is 2 to 3 inches wide and made up of many small, yellow, tubular disk flowers in the center, surrounded by 10 to 20 yellow ray flowers (typically thought of as the petals).


Similar Species: Common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is an annual that shares many above-ground characteristics with Jerusalem artichoke but below ground, it lacks rhizomes and tubers.

My additional note - The verbesinas have winged stalks with wings depending downward from leaf petioles. Helianthus tuberosus has winged leaf petioles only; the wings do not extend downward along the stalk;-)


Do we have it correctly identified now?