Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tulerosus) is, like 
the Common Sunflower, a valuable species, and one that 
is often cultivated because of its edible roots, these 
being tender and of good flavor; they are eaten raw or 
cooked. Their value as articles of food was first dis¬ 
covered by Indians and by them imparted to our early 
colonists. The name Jerusalem, in connection with this 
plant, is a corruption from the name applied to the 
species by Italians, (Girasole Articocco), meaning sun¬ 
flower artichoke. 
It is a handsome plant, the stout, leafy, hairy stalk 
growing from 3 to 12 feet tall and being topped with 
several large showy flowers. The large, three-veined 
leaves are hairy and have toothed margins. They are 
chiefly set oppositely on the stem, although some of the 
upper ones may alternate. The several flower heads are 
large, measuring up to three inches across. The central 
florets are greenish yellow and are surrounded by from 
12 to 24 long, golden-yellow rays. 
This species is often also known as the Canada Potato 
and the Earth Apple. Its range extends from southern 
Canada southwards nearly to the Gulf. 
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