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
New Wild Yam plants, recently emerged from the soil
New Wild Yam plants -- the number of leaves in the leaf rings varies
Wild Yam leaf ring
A slightly older Wild Yam, showing growth form
New Wild Yam leaf
Older Wild Yam leaf
Older Wild Yam leaves
Wild Yam with flower clusters
Wild Yam flower clusters
Wild Yam flower clusters
Wild Yam flower clusters and flowers
Wild Yam flowers
Wild Yam flowers
Return to the Index