Golden Daughters of the Sun

Jerusalem Artichoke (Earth Apple or Sunchoke)

(Helianthus tuberosus)

Jerusalem artichokes are a species of wild sunflower native to the northern part of the continent, and there is a fine, tall stand of them growing along a village hydro easement that runs down to the river.

Golden daughters of the sun, the artichokes are a treat for the eyes when they are flowering. In places our stand is almost eight feet high and it is covered with golden blooms at the moment. The bees and bumbles are ecstatic. Beau and I admire both the flowers and the bees whenever our walks take us in their direction.

The tubers (roots) of Jerusalem artichokes are edible and taste like water chestnuts, delicious when lightly sauteed or thinly sliced (raw) in a salad. I've eaten them once or twice and liked them so I occasionally consider digging up a few, but I just can't bring myself to do it. I would rather look at them than eat them.

Having such splendid, towering creatures living nearby is a fine thing, and it affords us much pleasure. Digging them up would be shameful.