Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)

Family: Dioscoreaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Dioscorea villosa is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from September to October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Tuber - cooked. Some caution should be exercised with this plant. See 'Medicinal Uses' for more information. — Some caution should be exercised with this plant.; See 'Medicinal Uses' for more information.

Habitat & North American Range

Borders of bogs, swamps, marshes, river and lake margins, creek bottoms, sandy or rocky soils, moist or dry woods, hammocks, thickets, limestone or talus slopes, roadsides, sea level to 1500 m. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)