Smallanthus, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
yacon
Americas, from the eastern United States and Mexico to the Andes
Overview
Smallanthus is a genus of robust perennial herbs in the daisy family, with about 21 species native to the Americas. Plants grow from thick, tuberous roots and produce stout, often hollow stems 3-8 feet (0.9-2.4 m) tall. Leaves are large, opposite, broadly triangular to arrow-shaped, 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long, with winged stalks and toothed or lobed margins. Daisy-like flower heads 0.6-1.6 inches (1.5-4 cm) across carry short yellow to orange ray florets around a yellow disc, borne in branched clusters in late summer and fall. The cultivated yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) is grown for its sweet, crisp storage roots, which can weigh several pounds each. Fibrous offset tubers at the crown produce the next season's shoots. Top growth dies back after frost, and the roots overwinter where the ground does not freeze hard. Plants need a long, frost-free season to develop a full root crop.
Native Range
Smallanthus species are native to the Americas, from the eastern United States and Mexico through Central America to the Andes of South America. They grow in moist meadows, forest edges, stream banks, and disturbed ground. Yacon (S. sonchifolius) is a long-cultivated crop of the Andean highlands and is not known in the wild.Suggested Uses
Yacon (S. sonchifolius) is grown in vegetable gardens and field plots for its edible storage roots, spaced 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart, and the tall wild species are used in large naturalistic and pollinator plantings. The large size and long season needed for a root crop leave yacon less suited to short-summer or small gardens. The flowers attract bees and other insects.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 8'
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in late summer and fall, mainly August through October, and may be cut short by early frost in cool climates. The clustered heads open over several weeks. In short-season areas, plants may be killed by frost before flowering, with the root crop forming regardless.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow to orangeFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Smallanthus grows in full sun to part shade on deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil, with steady water through the growing season. The cultivated yacon is grown much like dahlias, started from crown offsets once frost danger has passed and lifted before hard freezes. A long, frost-free season of about six to seven months produces the largest roots. Top growth is frost-tender, though the roots survive light frost in the ground. Few serious pests affect the genus. Drought during root formation reduces the harvest.Pruning
No routine pruning is needed during growth. After frost blackens the foliage, stems are cut down, and the root clump is lifted for storage or division. The crown offsets are separated for replanting, while the larger storage roots are kept for eating.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons
