Dioscorea quaternata, commonly known as Wild Yam, is a deciduous climbing vine native to rich woods, thickets, and forest edges in the eastern United States. It typically climbs to heights of 3-12 feet (1-4 meters) using twining stems. The vine is characterized by its heart-shaped, alternate leaves and small, drooping, greenish-yellow flowers that appear in the late spring to early summer. Although the flowers are not particularly showy, they give way to capsule-like fruits in late summer.

Wild Yam is valued for its adaptability to a variety of woodland garden settings and is often used to cover trellises or fences in shaded areas. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers part shade to full shade conditions. This plant is known for its historical medicinal uses, particularly for its tubers, which were used by Native Americans and early settlers. However, care should be taken as the raw plant material can be toxic and should not be consumed without proper preparation. In cultivation, it is relatively low-maintenance, but it can become aggressive if not managed properly.CC BY-SA 4.0