Jerusalem Artichoke

Over the weekend, I captured a few images of Jerusalem Artichoke wildflowers (Helianthus tuberosus). These common wildflowers are vigorously growing all around my rural Missouri acreage, along the woodlines. Here are a few of my favorite images:

Jerusalem Artichoke wildflower

Jerusalem Artichoke wildflower

Jerusalem Artichoke wildflower bud

Jerusalem Artichoke wildflower

Jerusalem Artichokes are in the Helianthus genera, a member of the Daisy family that contains a ton of different sunflower species. These plants can grow 7-12 feet tall and are s sure sign of summer. The flowerheads contain 12-20 ray florets, and can grow to 3-inches across. The flower stalks are extremely hairy; if you run your hand up/down the stalk, it almost feels like a cactus, with a ton of small, stiff “hairs”! This plant’s roots are potato-like, edible tubers, which were once eaten by Native Americans. I also read that they are still cultivated today, for human and animal food (I wonder how they stack up agains Ewell Gibbons’ grapenuts!).

Photographic Equipment Used:

  • Canon 5D Mark 3 body
  • Canon EF 180mm, f/3.5 macro lens
  • Vanguard Alta Pro 283CT carbon fiber tripod + StudiBall ballhead
  • ISO 1250
  • Aperture f/3.5 to f/11
  • Shutter 1/10 sec. to 1/200 sec.

 

 

 

Posted in Macro Photography, Nature Photography, Wildflowers
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