Helianthus tuberosus, commonly known as Jerusalem artichoke or sunchoke, is a tall, herbaceous perennial that typically reaches between about 6 and 10 feet in height, with a spread of roughly 3 to 5 feet across in mature clumps. Its upright stems are sturdy and slightly rough, often measuring around ½ to 1 inch thick, supporting broad, ovate leaves that range from about 4 to 10 inches long and 2 to 5 inches wide, with coarse, toothed edges and a slightly sandpapery texture. The bright yellow, sunflower-like blooms usually measure about 2 to 4 inches in diameter, appearing on long stems in late summer to early fall. Below ground, the plant produces irregular, knobby tubers that vary widely in size but commonly measure between 2 and 4 inches long and 1 to 2 inches thick, sometimes forming clustered masses that can extend 6 to 12 inches deep in the soil. The root system spreads laterally, allowing colonies to expand several feet over time, making the plant both productive and somewhat aggressive in garden settings.