Family: Asteraceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 905 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Helianthus
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Indian-potato, scientifically recognized as Helianthus giganteus, is a perennial plant that flourishes in a variety of habitats ranging from Eastern Canada to North Carolina, extending across the eastern regions of the United States. This revered plant belongs to the distinguished Asteraceae family, known for its diverse and widespread species.
Characterized by its towering stature, the Indian-potato earns its name “giganteus” by growing impressively tall, often reaching heights that make it a standout in its native settings. Its robust stems are typically clad with coarse, leafy growth, and it showcases vibrant yellow flower heads that are a hallmark of the Asteraceae family’s signature aesthetic. These blooms not only add an eye-catching spectacle to the environment but also play an essential role in the local ecosystem, attracting a variety of pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Historically cataloged by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, Helianthus giganteus has continued to be a subject of botanical interest and study. Its adaptation to the diverse climates of Eastern North America speaks to its resilience and evolutionary success.
Beyond its ecological contributions, Indian-potato has garnered interest for its edible roots, which were utilized by indigenous populations and early settlers. These roots, albeit not as commonly consumed today, were a valuable food resource, lending the plant its common name.
In contemporary landscapes, Helianthus giganteus is appreciated not only for its ecological benefits but also as an ornamental addition to gardens aiming to incorporate native species. Its attractiveness, combined with its adaptability, makes it a natural choice for gardeners and conservationists alike aiming to preserve native flora.
In summary, Indian-potato or Helianthus giganteus stands as a significant perennial of North American flora. With its towering growth and vibrant blooms, it continues to be a plant of both historical importance and modern-day ecological value.
Common Names
Eng: giant sunflower, giant or tall sunflower, indian-potato, tall sunflower, swamp sunflower
Deu: riesen-sonnenblume
Fra: hélianthe géant, hélanthe géant, soleil géant
Swe: goliatsolros
En: Indian-potato, Tall sunflower, Giant sunflower, Giant or tall sunflower, Swamp sunflower
Ar: دوار الشمس العملاق
Fi: Jättiauringonkukka, Roima-auringonkukka
Fr: Hélianthe géant, Hélanthe géant, Soleil géant
De: Riesen-Sonnenblume
Sv: Goliatsolros
Synonyms
- Helianthus giganteus var. ambiguus (Torr. & A.Gray)
- Helianthus nuttallii var. subtuberosus ((Britton) B.Boivin)
- Helianthus validus (E.Watson)
- Helianthus giganteus var. subtuberosus (Britton)
- Helianthus gigas (Michx.)
- Helianthus borealis (E.Watson)
- Helianthus giganteus subsp. alienus ((E.Watson) R.W.Long)
- Helianthus carolinianus (Hill)
- Helianthus angustifolius subsp. giganteus ((L.) Anashch.)
- Helianthus giganteus var. crinitus (Nutt.)
- Helianthus giganteus var. virgatus (Farw.)
- Helianthus subtuberosus (Bourg. ex A.Gray)
- Helianthus virgatus (Lam.)
- Helianthus alienus (E.Watson)
- Helianthus crinitus (Steud.)
- Helianthus ambiguus ((Torr. & A.Gray) Britton)
- Helianthus giganteus var. oppositifolius (Farw.)
- Helianthus giganteus var. verticillatus (Farw.)
- Helianthus giganteus var. resiniferus (Farw.)
Distribution
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- France (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Dec 29, 2019 by Chee Keong Chan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 22, 2020 by Marie Poincheval (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 5, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 5, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 5, 2022 by D. G. (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 30, 2018 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 5, 2022 by Patrice Bracquart (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 7, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 22, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 5, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Nov 8, 2022 by Thijs walnoot (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 7, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 14, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 22, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 5, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 30, 2022 by Antonio Pagano (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 14, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 26, 2021 by Erich 🦅 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 1, 2022 by yvon s (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 11, 2020 by Patrick van Drunen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 13, 2015 by EOL − Erin Faulkner (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 8, 2015 by EOL − bendingtree (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:315753-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3119240)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Helianthus giganteus L.)