Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus 'Topstar')

Sunflower relative indigenous to North America that produces beautiful yellow flowers and an edible, potato-like tuber highly prized by chefs worldwide. French painter Claude Monet was captivated by the gorgeous blooms - memorializing them in a (now famous) 1880 oil painting. They are fantastic pollinator plants, blooming late in the season when other flowers have faded and other forage is hard to find.

Topstar is a tall variety that bears uniform, oblong, medium-sized tubers with thin, brown (edible) “skins.” A very good culinary selection, tubers have very few nobs and are easy to clean, with a mellow, carrot-like flavor suitable for substituting in carrot dishes. One of the earliest varieties to bloom on our farm, after "Early Dwarf Sunray." Sweetest in Spring. USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9.

You may also like "Sugar Ball" and "Weisse Truffel."