are Helianthus tuberosus (jerusalem artichoke) invasive in colorado? - Ask Extension
are Helianthus tuberosus (jerusalem artichoke) invasive in colorado? we live in colorado springs, around 7800 feet elevation. i would like to plant ...
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are Helianthus tuberosus (jerusalem artichoke) invasive in colorado? #796441
Asked June 17, 2022, 11:17 AM EDT
are Helianthus tuberosus (jerusalem artichoke) invasive in colorado?
we live in colorado springs, around 7800 feet elevation. i would like to plant some jerusalem artichokes out in the field and just let them grow. would this be okay? i do not want to plant them in a container.
thank you for what you do.
El Paso County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
Thank you for your Question about planting Helianthus tuberosus in your field, is it invasive?
H. tuberosus grows easily here in Colorado. CSU Extension PlantTalk describes this plant as:
"Among other perennial sunflowers is the Jerusalem Artichoke (H. tuberosus), in zones 2-24. These produce bright yellow flowers, four inches across and grow easily in Colorado. Some are grown commercially and their tubers are edible, sold in markets as “sunchokes”. Tubers should be dug and
replanted every 2-3 years or the quality of the tuber will decline."
https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/annuals-perennials/1004-sunflowers/
CABI Invasive Species Compendium, describes this plant as:
"H. tuberosus is a tall herb that can out-compete invaded natural vegetation and occurs as a sometimes serious agricultural weed. Further spread by deliberate introduction is highly likely and may result in undesirable consequences for newly invaded areas. Its tubers are often spread by water and it establishes readily along the banks of waterways."
https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/26716#tohistoryOfIntroductionAndSpread
Missouri Botanical Garden, when discussing Plants of North America, describes this plant as:
"Jerusalem artichoke is typically weedy and invasive. Once planted in the landscape, it is usually difficult to remove, and typically spreads to form colonies."
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277201&isprofile=0&chr=19
H. tuberosus is not listed on the Colorado Noxious Weed List.
The decision about whether to plant H. tuberosus in your field would depend upon your tolerance for the possible spread of this plant.
Thank you for your Question about planting Helianthus tuberosus in your field, is it invasive?
H. tuberosus grows easily here in Colorado. CSU Extension PlantTalk describes this plant as:
"Among other perennial sunflowers is the Jerusalem Artichoke (H. tuberosus), in zones 2-24. These produce bright yellow flowers, four inches across and grow easily in Colorado. Some are grown commercially and their tubers are edible, sold in markets as “sunchokes”. Tubers should be dug and
replanted every 2-3 years or the quality of the tuber will decline."
https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/annuals-perennials/1004-sunflowers/
CABI Invasive Species Compendium, describes this plant as:
"H. tuberosus is a tall herb that can out-compete invaded natural vegetation and occurs as a sometimes serious agricultural weed. Further spread by deliberate introduction is highly likely and may result in undesirable consequences for newly invaded areas. Its tubers are often spread by water and it establishes readily along the banks of waterways."
https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/26716#tohistoryOfIntroductionAndSpread
Missouri Botanical Garden, when discussing Plants of North America, describes this plant as:
"Jerusalem artichoke is typically weedy and invasive. Once planted in the landscape, it is usually difficult to remove, and typically spreads to form colonies."
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277201&isprofile=0&chr=19
H. tuberosus is not listed on the Colorado Noxious Weed List.
The decision about whether to plant H. tuberosus in your field would depend upon your tolerance for the possible spread of this plant.
