Wild Yam, American–villosa (Dioscorea villosa) live root, organic

ROOTS ship starting in October.  If you order ROOTS along with seeds, the seeds will ship first and the roots will follow in season. We dig after dormancy in order to assure a good bud set–usually ending early December.

Family:  Yam (Dioscoraceae)

Hardy to Zones 5 to 9

(Colic Root, Rheumatism Root) Native to the southern, central and eastern portions of the US.  Dioecious herbaceous perennial with prominently veined, heart-shaped leaves and a pencil-thin creeping rhizome.  The vine will easily reach a height of 20 feet.  This plant prefers rich, humus-laden soil and grows best in the dappled shade of woodland or shade garden.  The plant will vigorously climb on trellis, fence or tree.   Dioscorea villosa is considered official.  Traditional usage of preparations made from the dried rhizome (TWM): antispasmodic for smooth tissues; stomach, bowel, infant colic or menstrual cramps.  Cultivation:  Rake back the mulch, make a narrow furrow in the soil, lay the root in parallel to the soil surface, cover with soil (about 2 inches deep), tamp securely, replace mulch over top of planting and pound in a stake to mark the spot.  Emergence is in the spring.  Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart.

Live Root, Certified Organically Grown

For more information on this plant, see “Growing At-Risk Medicinal Herbs” by Richo Cech