Eastern Forest Threat Center - Chinese Yam

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Chinese yam foliage

Chinese yam foliage

James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Chinese Yam
Dioscorea oppositifolia

Chinese yam, native to Asia, was originally introduced into the U.S. in the 1800s as a possible food source. Is has since been planted as an ornamental and cultivated for medicinal use.

Keywords: Dioscoreaceae, deciduous, perennial, climbing vine, heart-shaped leaves, aerial tubers; Common names: cinnamon vine, air potato

Distribution Map Distribution Source Image

Threat Description

Chinese yam is a deciduous perennial creeping and climbing vine in the wild yam family that may reach up to 16 ft. in height given support from trees and shrubs. The vines twine from left to right. Leaves have a heart-shaped base and can be alternate or opposite in arrangement on the stem. Typically, leaves are 1.5 to 3 in. long and up to 1.5 in. wide with 7 to 9 veins. The margins, petioles, and stems are purplish to red in color. Small yellowish-white flowers arise from the axils of the leaves. The perianth is bell-shaped and the staminate (male) flowers are in bundles, spikes, or panicles at the end of the branches. Flowers may have a spicy fragrance similar to cinnamon. Bulbils or small aerial tubers are produced in the axils of the leaves. Seeds are borne in a three-angle membranous capsule. Chinese yam grows in rich alluvial soils and can also tolerate semi-xeric sites with rocky soils. It grows in full sun and can tolerate all but the deepest shade. Habitat includes forests, stream sides, disturbed or undisturbed areas, roadsides, fencerows, waste places, and old home sites. Chinese yam spreads easily into native plant communities and displaces native vegetation.