Hello Patty,

          Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosa) is a difficult plant to control. They reproduce by seed, rhizomes (underground stems) and potato-like tubers. The tubers are the primary means of reproducing.  Each plant can produce approx. 75 or more tubers in a single growing season and each tuber is capable of sending out up to six shoots.

Digging them or pulling them when they emerge in the spring can be an option for control but challenging given the amount of space you have. Mowing them down is another possibility if you have not already tried this method.  New tubers are unable to develop without the above-ground shoots. New tubers persist about 2 years, and by constant mowing over 2-3 years you will kill these and gain some control.  As for rotor-tilling, if you leave a tuber behind, you’ll have more plants coming up next year so this method would not the best in eradicating.  Total Jerusalem artichoke control requires you to be vigilant and remove every single sprout.

 Ohio State mentions that tubers are the primary means of reproduction, they only survive a couple of years in the soil. Therefore, preventing tuber formation by repeatedly applying control measures for 2 years will generally control Jerusalem artichoke. Application of selective herbicides at the pre-bloom stage generally results in good control.  

 Glyphosate, the main ingredient found in Roundup, will eventually kill this plant but multiple applications may be necessary.  Once you apply the product to the plant (not the soil) it is absorbed through the leaves and moves throughout the plant right down to the roots. It binds to soil particles which help reduce the risk of leaching (Leaching is the movement of a material down through the soil profile.) It is broken down quickly by soil microbes. In most cases new planting can resume in about 14 days.   As a home owner if you use round up correctly and infrequently it should be relatively safe in killing only what you target.  Keep in mind that Roundup is non-selective meaning it will kill any plant, grass, shrub etc. that you didn’t mean to target. Never spray on a windy day and protect yourself during application.  It is toxic to aquatic life so do not use near lakes and streams.

 It is highly important to fully read the product label for all concerns and instructions regarding safety to your neighboring plants and especially to yourself.  

Whichever method you choose, is not a onetime shot, you will need to be persistent.  

 The following links will provide you with more information:

 Glyphosate:

http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/killing_weeds_in_the_garden_with_glyphosate

http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/glyphogen.html

http://npic.orst.edu/capro/whentoplant.html#click

 Jerusalem artichoke:

 http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/weedguide/single_weed.php?id=1

 https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/jerusalem-artichokes/jerusalem-artichoke-weeds.htm

   Regarding your landscaping ideas for butterflies and bees. There are many organizations that will help you get started.

https://www.wildones.org/connect/chapters/michigan-chapters/

https://www.monarchwatch.org/index.html

https://monarchjointventure.org

http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/landscaping/butterfly-gardening/index.html

https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/documents/AttractingPollinatorsV5.pdf

Design Ideas.

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/gardens/butterfly/designs.html

https://loudounwildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Monarch_Waystation_School_Garden.pdf

 You may also want to check with your local library. Many times they will have speakers that talk about native gardening for pollinators.

  This is a lot of information and I hope it helps you out. Good luck on your projects!