Jerusalem artichoke is primarily a weed of pastures, hayfields, roadsides, noncrop areas, nurseries, and landscapes. It is found throughout the eastern half of the United States and also along the Pacific coast. First true leaves are oppositely arranged and elliptic in outline.
Mature leaves become more lanceolate in outline and taper to a point.
All leaves have toothed margins and occur on petioles. Upper leaves on the flowering stem are alternate unlike the lower leaves which are opposite. May reach 10 feet in height, are robust, and are covered with hairs. Rhizomes that end in oval tubers that are relatively large and reddish in color. Jerusalem artichoke is sometimes grown for its edible tubers.