[Wikipedia] Central North America native: The Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus), also called sunroot, sunchoke, wild sunflower,[2] topinambur,[2] or earth apple, is a species of sunflower native to central North America.[3][4] It is cultivated widely across the temperate zone for its tuber, which is used as a root vegetable. (link added by Mary Ann Machi)

[Cal-IPC] Invasive: Helianthus tuberosus (Jerusalem artichoke) is a perennial herb/ (family Asteraceae) with yellow flowers and oval shaped leaves found in the San Francisco Bay area and south coast ranges of California. It is native to eastern North America. It favors grasslands, woodlands, and riparian and bottomland habitat. It reproduces via seeds and tubers. Birds are the main source of seed dispersal. Cal-IPC Rating: Watch (link added by Mary Ann Machi)