Helianthus doronicoides
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Helianthus doronicoides is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from September to October, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1.8
Where it is found
Dry woods, thickets and clearings.
Central N. America - Ohio to Missouri and Arkansas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Tubers - cooked. A similar taste to Jerusalem artichokes but less productive because the tubers are very thin.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in most soils in a sunny position. Requires a rich soil. Dislikes shade. Plants have a running root system and can be invasive in suitable conditions. The young growth is extremely attractive to slugs, plants can be totally destroyed by them. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits. Possibly a naturally occurring hybrid, H. giganteus x H. mollis.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Basal cuttings in spring. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist