The Jerusalem artichoke is a type of sunflower that develops a large irregular tuber underground at the end of a rhizome. The tubers can be dug and prepared like potatoes or cut into slices and eaten fresh as a crispy food that resembles water chestnuts in consistency. The prominent nodes, internodes, and lateral branches are obvious on these tubers. A corm grows vertically, producing buds at the upper nodes and roots from the lower surface. Corms develop flowering stems, which elongate after a cold period to emerge from the soil and expand their flowers.
Corms also have a non-persistent root system that lives only one season.
The root system regenerates itself in the fall. Corms purchased at a store have no obvious root system. However, when planted, adventitious roots develop quickly. The plant is anchored in place by the developing root system. Because new corms develop on top of old, they are closer to the soil surface.