Helianthus tuberosus is one of those plants that's been passed along for SO long that its origins are difficult to trace. Apparently it was widely cultivated by American Indians, who distributed its tubers hither and yon over the centuries. Along the way the species seems to have lost some of its ability to reproduce from seed. In addition to being toothsome, the tubers are a source of inulin, a compound found in numerous other composites including the eponymous Inula helenium. Russell At 01:35 AM 4/2/2011, you wrote: >Sunchokes are a pass-along plant here in California. Russell Stafford Odyssey Bulbs PO Box 382 South Lancaster, MA 01561 508-335-8106 http://www.odysseybulbs.com/