Wild Yam

Dioscorea villosa

native


Other Name:
Wild Sweet Potato


Wild Yam is a common native climbing vine that grows in most of Virginia. It can thrive in many types of habitats, including degraded ones. The scientific species name of villosa means "hairy", because the underside of the heart-shaped leaves are hairy. Many vegetables labeled as "yams" in supermarkets are actually sweet potatoes, even though the two are not closely related. Likewise, sweet potatoes are not closely related to white potatoes. Wild Yam does not produce edible tubers, but it has been widely used in traditional medicines for a variety of ailments.

Identification Tools

Illinois Wildflowers Friends of the Wildflower Garden Go Botany

Ranges

North America Virginia

Wild Yam leaves
New Wild Yam plants, recently emerged from the soil

Wild Yam leaves
New Wild Yam plants -- the number of leaves in the leaf rings varies

Wild Yam leaves
Wild Yam leaf ring

Wild Yam leaves
A slightly older Wild Yam, showing growth form

Wild Yam leaves
New Wild Yam leaf

Wild Yam leaves
Older Wild Yam leaf

Wild Yam leaves
Older Wild Yam leaves

Wild Yam leaves
Wild Yam with flower clusters

Wild Yam flower clusters
Wild Yam flower clusters

Wild Yam flower clusters
Wild Yam flower clusters

Wild Yam flower clusters and flowers
Wild Yam flower clusters and flowers

Wild Yam flowers
Wild Yam flowers

Wild Yam flowers
Wild Yam flowers

Return to the Index