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A member of the sunflower family. It reproduces by seed and forms fleshy, underground stems bearing small, elongated, potato-like tubers. Adaptable anywhere, they were called 'Potatoes of Canada', because the French Canadian people brought them to Europe.
Native Americans used this plant as a food source and traded it with other tribes in other regions. The tubers persist for several years after being planted.
Jerusalem artichoke is best grown in fertile, sandy loam or well-drained river bottoms, where the tubers are easier to dig. Generally, soils suitable for potato production are suitable for Jerusalem artichoke.