Dioscorea villosa Wild yam (Dioscoreaceae)

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Dioscorea villosa
Wild yam
(1 Page of 5)

The Dioscorea villosa plant species is found in Eastern N. America - New England to Minnesota and Ontario, south to Virginia and Texas. It is a member of the Dioscoreaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Wild yam.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Dioscorea villosa
Common Name:  Wild yam
Family:  Dioscoreaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  Edible species of Dioscorea have opposite leaves whilst poisonous species have alternate leaves[174]. Use of the fresh plant can cause vomiting and other side effects[222].

Mature Height:  3   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Wet woods and swamps, thickets and hedges[43, 165].

Cultivation Notes: An easily grown plant, succeeding in a fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position or light shade[200]. Prefers a rich light soil[1]. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[238]. Plants produce tubercles (small tubers that are formed in the leaf axils of the stems), and can be propagated by this means[K]. A climbing plant that supports itself by twining around the branches of other plants[219]. This is a polymorphic species, some botanists dividing it up into several species[235]. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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