Helianthus tuberosus

Topinambur

Helianthus tuberosus, also known as Jerusalem artichoke or Topinambur, is a perennial herbaceous plant that can grow up to 3 metres high. Originally from North America, the plant was introduced to Europe in the 17th century. It is characterised by its star-shaped yellow flowers, which bear a resemblance to the well-known sunflower. A characteristic feature of the species is its underground storage tissue, which forms thick tubers. Helianthus tuberosus prefers sunny locations and grows well in nutrient-rich soil. It can be found on roadsides, in gardens, on banks and in agricultural areas. The plant spreads both by seed and vegetatively through its tubers, allowing effective dispersal and establishment in new areas.

Types of damage

Ecological damage

Due to its effective dispersal mechanisms and adaptability, topinambur can suppress native plant species in certain areas and thus affect biodiversity. This happens especially along watercourses and floodplains.

Economical damage

As the above-ground part of the topinambur dies in winter, the erosion protection on riverbanks is reduced. This effect is reinforced by the fact that rodents, in an effort to reach the edible tubers, additionally stir up the bank area. The necessary removal measures can cause high costs.

Region of origin

North America

Introduction vectors

Agriculture

Topinambur was introduced to Europe as early as the 17th century and was long considered an important source of food and fodder before it was replaced by the more productive potato.

Planting of neophytes

Helianthus tuberosus was deliberately sown in nature as an alien plant to enrich the native flora.
Current distribution

Based on the FlorKart Database of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, as of 2013

Miscellaneous

Family

The daisy family (Asteraceae), also known as Asteraceae or Compositae, is one of the largest plant families with more than 23,000 species in about 1,620 genera. A distinguishing feature is their complex inflorescence, which consists of many small individual flowers forming a "basket". This family is globally distributed and contains species ranging from annual plants to perennial shrubs and trees. Well-known representatives are the sunflower, daisy, dandelion and many species of chrysanthemum. Many asteraceae are important for honey production, and some, such as artichoke and endive, are important crops.

Climate change

Helianthus tuberosus has not yet filled its potentially suitable habitat under current climate conditions. It benefits from climate change because in the future its potentially suitable habitat will increase. The environmental factors that most influence its spread are soil type, spring temperature, road infrastructure, winter temperature and rail infratructure.

Positive effects

Topinambur was cultivated as a food and fodder plant because of its edible tubers. Today, there are only small cultivation areas in Germany. Today, most of the tubers are used for the production of brandy. Both the vegetative parts and the tubers are also used as an energy crop and fermented into biogas or bioethanol.

Dispersion forecast

Indicates the proportion of land suitable for habitat under current and future climate conditions (2060-2080) under three emission scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 & RCP85).

Habitat suitability maps

Instructions for use: Click here

Habitat suitability under current climate conditions

These habitat suitability maps show for Helianthus tuberosus where suitable habitat conditions exist.

The map on the left shows this for current climate conditions. Below this are maps for the time classes 2040-2060 and 2061-2080, in which three different emission scenarios can be selected.

The slider at the top left allows you to adjust the opacity of the map to make orientation easier.

By clicking on the respective quadrant, information on the environmental conditions present in it can be called up.

The methodology is explained here beschrieben.

Habitat suitability 2040 - 2060

2040-2060: In the RCP2.6 scenario, GHG emissions are expected to peak by 2040 through comprehensive mitigation measures and to decline rapidly thereafter. By 2060, global warming would stabilise at about 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Subtle changes in precipitation patterns could vary regionally, with some areas facing increased drought and others increased precipitation.

2040-2060: Under RCP4.5, GHG emissions would continue to increase until 2040, but stabilise at a high level thereafter. By 2060, there could be a global temperature increase of about 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This scenario would likely cause moderate changes in precipitation patterns, with potential regional differences.

2040-2060: Under RCP8.5, which assumes continued intensive use of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions would rise sharply by 2060. The global temperature increase could be around 2.5-3°C. In this scenario, significant changes in precipitation patterns could occur, with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.

Habitat suitability 2061 - 2080

2060-2080: By 2080, global warming could be limited to below 2°C in the RCP2.6 scenario, provided emission reductions are consistently pursued. Impacts on precipitation patterns would likely stabilise, although regional variance would remain significant.

2060-2080: In the RCP4.5 scenario, global temperatures would continue to increase and could be around 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Changes in precipitation patterns would likely increase and regional differences could become more pronounced.

2060-2080: Under RCP8.5, global temperatures could rise by more than 4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Precipitation patterns would be expected to change significantly, with further increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This would have far-reaching impacts on ecological and socio-economic systems.