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].

Propagation Notes: Seed - sow March to April in a sunny position in a warm greenhouse and only just cover. It germinates in 1 - 3 weeks at 20°c[175]. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow on in a greenhouse for their first year. Plant out in late spring as the plant comes into new growth. Basal stem cuttings in the summer[37]. Division in the dormant season, never when in growth[1]. The plant will often produce a number of shoots, the toop 5 - 10 cm of the root below each shoot can be potted up to form a new plant whilst the lower part of the root can possibly be eaten[K]. Tubercles (baby tubers) are formed in the leaf axils. These are harvested in late summer and early autumn when about the size of a pea and coming away easily from the plant. They should be potted up immediately in individual pots in a greenhouse or cold frame. Plant out in early summer when in active growth[K].

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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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