Wild Yam, American–Four-leaf Yam (Dioscorea quaternata) packet of 10 seeds, organic

Family:  Yam (Dioscoraceae)

Hardy to Zones 6 to 9

(Fourleaf Yam) Native to Appalachia. Vining herbaceous perennial with thick stems and heavy, knuckled roots. In many cases this plant can be found in the deep forest, where it can make a sturdy, upright and self-supporting plant showing only a single whorl of four leaves.  One can also find Dioscorea quaternata living at the edge of the forest, where the increased availability of light encourages it to vine up into the overstory.  Traditional usage (TWM): antispasmodic for smooth tissues; stomach, bowel or menstrual cramps. This plant is highly adaptable to most shade gardens in the temperate US. Trellis.   Sow in fall for germination in the spring.  Best to sow the seed just under the surface of loamy potting soil (peat moss or coir rich potting soil is fine) and keep in outdoor shade house situation or in a cold greenhouse over the winter with germination in the spring.  Grow out for at least a year at close spacing, then individuate and plant in fall to 1 foot apart in forest or shade garden.

10 seeds per packet, certified organically grown