The Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) belongs to Asteraceae (the Aster family). It is a perennial herb that is native to the Great Plaines in the central United States. It was introduced into Japan in the last days of Edo Era (1603-1867). This herb is cultivated around the world though it is cultivated little or nothing in Japan. The caudices contain inulin and used as a raw material of fructose and alcohol, and animal consumption. It can reach 1.5-3 m in height. Yellow flower-heads come in September to October. It is difficult to distinguish it from the "Paleleaf woodland sunflower" because it is extremely similar, but the "Jerusalem artichoke" has 10 to 20 ray flowers with slightly rounded tips and painfully bristly hairs on the stem.