Wild Yam
(Dioscorea villosa)
Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)
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Doug McGrady
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Doug McGrady
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Doug McGrady | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Doug_McGrady | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Dioscorea villosa, commonly known as Wild Yam, is a deciduous perennial vine native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, thickets, and forest edges in Central and Eastern USA and Canada. It typically climbs to heights of 3-12 feet (1-4 meters), using twining stems to ascend. The leaves are heart-shaped, and the plant produces small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow to brown flowers from late spring to early summer. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they are interesting upon close inspection, with male and female flowers on separate plants (dioecious). The fruit is a three-angled capsule, 10-30 mm in size, which releases seeds for dispersal.
Wild Yam is valued for its ornamental foliage and its historical use in herbal medicine. It is often used in naturalized areas, woodland gardens, and as a ground cover in shaded sites. It thrives in part shade to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. While not aggressive, it can spread over time to form colonies. Gardeners should be aware that it can be mistaken for invasive species and should ensure correct identification.CC BY-SA 4.0
Wild Yam is valued for its ornamental foliage and its historical use in herbal medicine. It is often used in naturalized areas, woodland gardens, and as a ground cover in shaded sites. It thrives in part shade to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. While not aggressive, it can spread over time to form colonies. Gardeners should be aware that it can be mistaken for invasive species and should ensure correct identification.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb, Vine
- Height: 6-15 feet
- Width: 1-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands, thickets, and forest edges
Other Names
Common Names: Colic Root, Rheumatism Root, Devil’s Bones, Fourleaf Yam, China Root, Yam Root, Wilde Yamswurzel, Läkejams
Scientific Names: , Dioscorea villosa, Dioscorea glauca, Dioscorea sativa, Dioscorea villosa var. villosa, Dioscorea hirticaulis, Dioscorea villosa subsp. glauca, Dioscorea villosa subsp. quaternata, Dioscorea villosa var. hirticaulis, Dioscorea quaternata var. glauca
GBIF Accepted Name: Dioscorea villosa L.