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 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.