Human connections: Introduced from China in the 1800s for ornamental, food, and medicinal uses. Chinese yam is a deciduous perennial vine that reproduces The Chinese yam can also help with diabetes, by modulating oxidative stress, antioxidant activities, and lipid profiles, as this study shows. Spread: Increases in Chinese yam population size and range are documented for southern Illinois and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Nature Conservancy. Mowing or cutting will control the spread of Chinese yam, but will not eradicate 0.5%-1% non-ionic surfactant to thoroughly wet all foliage. It is a member of the Dioscoreaceae or Yam family. Cover the entire infestation with It can be an invasive species in some areas – please check your local conditions if this is of concern. 2002. This rule makes it illegal to sell, gift, barter, exchange, distribute, transport, or introduce these plants in the State of Indiana. ground level as possible. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.5 Height: Chinese yam is a creeping and climbing vine that may The University of Georgia - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Chinese Yam - Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council Invasive Plant Manual. The margins, petioles and stems are purplish to red in color. Air-potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) -- Other states where invasive: FL. Typically, leaves are 4 to 8 cm long and up to 4 cm wide with 7 to 9 *Detected in Michigan* production typically in July. Main distinguishing characteristics of wild yam include vines that U.S. Distribution: Chinese yam has spread to 16 southeastern states since its introduction in the 1800’s and has been recorded in some locations in Michigan. Natural area weeds are often exotic plant species (plants whose natu… Any portions of the root system not 1999. Scientific Name: Dioscorea oppositifolia L. Chinese yam is a deciduous perennial vine native to China. Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council Invasive Plant Manual, Common Name: Chinese Yam, Cinnamon vine, Air potato. Ecological Impacts: Chinese Yam spreads easily into native plant communities and displaces native vegetation. The TexasInvasives.org maintains an online database devoted to plants known to occur in or around Texas that are suspected of causing invasive problems. The bulbils form on the axils of the leaves in late summer and fall. Glyphosate: Apply a 4% solution of glyphosate and water plus It invades open to shady areas in the Eastern United States. Stems should be cut at least once per growing season as close to Chinese Yam Alert! it unless it is continued for several growing seasons or until the root reserves This may include wood chips, grass clippings, hay or It was introduced to the United While it tolerates anything from full sun to deep shade, it prefers intermediate light. Among the most invasive woodland plants is the Chinese Yam, also called the cinnamon vine or air potato. Ahles, and C. Ritchie Bell. Some yams are also invasive plants, often considered a "noxious weed", outside cultivated areas. A monocot related to lilies and grasses, yams are vigorous herbaceous vines providing an edible tuber. Dioscorea polystachya is an invasive herbaceous, twining vine that grows to about 16.4 ft. (5 m). The plant is not self-fertile. The genus Dioscorea has To biologists who manage natural areas, weeds are plants that interfere with the functions of natural communities. American Flora, Version 1.0. The Chinese yam, called Shan Yao in Chinese herbalism, is a sweet soothing herb that stimulates the stomach and spleen and has a tonic effect on the lungs and kidneys. is recommended in order to penetrate the leaf cuticle, and ambient air It was brought from China to North America in the 1800s for ornamental, food and medicinal uses. However, when plants grow where they are not wanted, we call them weeds. The Chinese yam is an edible yam which grows wild in the United States. Treatment should be completed prior to bulbil has been identified in most of the Eastern United States from Texas to Florida It is in flower from September to October. Since its introduction into North America, it has spread throughout the eastern United States. several inches of mulch. Meacham. Twining and sprawling stems with long-petioled heart-shaped leaves. (heart-shaped) base. yam, triclopyr is preferred since it is selective to broadleaved plants. They are native to Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Control and Management: Manual- Mowing or cutting will control the spread of Chinese yam, but will not eradicate it unless it is continued until the root reserves are Radford, A.E., H.E. mature bulbils fall from the plant and are spread primarily by gravity. They are often spread by unsuspecting gardeners intrigued by the dangling yams and have been cultivated for medicinal use.Air-potato extends from Florida to adjacent states, and Chinese yam is found in all southeastern states except Florida. . so heavily that herbicide will drip off leaves. seasonal creeks and rivers. Bronx. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, Escapes from cultivation and aggressively smothers native plants. populations or environmentally sensitive areas where herbicides cannot be used. States Counties Points List Species Info. Though it's an invasive species, it's also very good to … Flowers may have a Synthesis of the North shape to Chinese yam but lacks the bulbils, has thorns (on some but not all fully expanded but before the aerial tubers are ripe. WATCH LIST. Here are pictures. Personal Communication. (Dioscorea oppositifolia) produced in the axils of the leaves. Although the production The aerial tubers are covered with adventitious buds and damaged or partially It can also improve kidney and liver function. Manual of the D. It was brought from China to North America in the 1800s for ornamental, food and medicinal uses. 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). oppositifolia can be found along roadways, waste places, old home sites, and Though it's an invasive species, it's also very good to eat. economic value as a food plant and is used as a traditional Chinese medicine. roots and bulbils (if present). Several eastern states consider Chinese yam a "highly invasive" species that poses a "severe threat" to native plant communities [6,37]. Scientific Name: Dioscorea oppositifolia L. Chinese yam is a deciduous perennial vine native to China. The vines twine from left to right. Aerial tubers are produced along the stem and will propagate new plants. aerial tubers. oppositifolia L. Chinese Yam, cinnamon vine. It is hardy to zone (UK) 5. Dioscorea polystachya is an invasive herbaceous, twining vine that grows to about 16.4 ft. (5 m). A 0.5%-1% non-ionic surfactant Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System. Ecological Threat: D. oppositifolia is a fast growing, twining vine that has escaped from cultivation and … The perianth is bell-shaped and the staminate (male) flowers are Common names: Cinnamon vine, Japanese mountain yam, Korean yam; Ecological threat: Invades stream banks and other riparian areas as well as mesic forests, roadways, fence rows, and drainage ways. or in areas where herbicides cannot be used. Nov. in bundles, spikes or panicles at the end of the branches. option since hay and grass may potentially carry weed seeds. The tuber contains allantoin, a cell-proliferant that speeds the healing process. are exhausted. Habitat: This deciduous vine can be found along roadsides, fence rows, stream banks, ditches, and rich, mesic forests. Resources. The vines and Vermont to Kansas. Dioscorea polystachya is an invasive herbaceous, twining vine that grows to about 16.4 ft. (5 m). Some 870 species of yams are known, and 95% of these crops are grown in Africa. D. batatas) also is known as cinnamon vine or air potato. It’s still sold as an ornamental plant, but don’t plant it! Element Stewardship Abstract for Dioscorea This will aid in verification of your report. Tu, Mandy. a member of the Dioscoreaceae or Yam family. Both the tuber and bulbils are edible, and the tuber is the part used medicinally. the stem. Triclopyr: If native grasses are intermingled with the Chinese It is a member of the Dioscoreaceae or Yam family. According to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality , invasive species on the watch list are priority species that have been identified as being an immediate and significant threat to Michigan's natural resources. It is twine right to left, pubescence present on the upper leaf surfaces, and the Height: Chinese yam is a creeping and climbing vine that may reach up to 5 meters in height given support from trees and shrubs. Herbaceous, high climbing vines to 65 feet (20 m) long, infestations covering shrubs and trees. It is reported invasive in DC, KY, MD, MO, SC, TN, VA, and WV. absence of aerial tubers. National Park Service: Great Smoky Mountains Many of the species on this list are economically important horticultura… Native look-alikes and how you can tell them apart from Chinese yam: Chinese Yam Invasive Species Alert - Printable PDF, http://www.misin.msu.edu/tools/apps/#home, Pointed, heart-shaped leaves that are often indented on the sides, opposite or alternate, Slender vines that spiral counter-clockwise, Bulbils or air tubers present from June to September, resemble very small potatoes, Small white or greenish-yellow spikes of flowers that smell similar to cinnamon. 2021. - Or - use the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) online reporting tool, - Or - download the MISIN smartphone app and report from your phone - http://www.misin.msu.edu/tools/apps/#home, Troy Evans, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bugwood.org, Chris Evans, Illinois Wildlife Action Plan, Bugwood.org - Chinese yam "air potato", Chris Evans, Illinois Wildlife Action Plan, Bugwood.org. Foliage. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. To home owners, weeds may be unwanted plants in lawns or gardens. Personal Communication. Do not apply so removed will potentially resprout. The Terrestrial Plant Rule (312 IAC 18-3-25) designates 44 species of plants as invasive pests. . Flowers: The small yellowish-white flowers arise from the axils Chinese Yam Background, Life History Chinese yam (Dioscorea oppositifolia, syn. Overview Appearance. The native wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) may resemble Chinese yam is native to China. Bulbils: Bulbils or small aerial tubers (0.7 to 3 cm long) are It grows in full sun and can tolerate all but the deepest shade. Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council Invasive Plant Manual. This species is Introduced in the United States. 1968. Chinese yam Michigan Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) Educational Module and Assessment Dioscorea oppositifolia (Synonyms: D. polystachya), D. batatas) Dioscorea divaricata, Dioscorea opposita A perennial vining plant with a large tuber. Dec. 18, 2002. The Natural Areas Association Issues. National Park. It forms dense mats that can down branches and kill trees. Since the bulbils float and Chinese yam is 25, 2002. Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada. bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) have a cordate leaf shape but lack the This species was introduced to America in the early 1800’s as an ornamental and edible/medicine vine. species), and has blue to purple berries. Gleason, H.A. Dioscorea batatas is a PERENNIAL growing to 3 m (9ft) by 1.5 m (5ft). To farmers, weeds are plants that interfere with raising crops or livestock. Mowing/Cutting: This method is appropriate for small initial Apply a soil conditions and root development. Also make note of the location, date and time of the observation. Chinese yam is found in rich alluvial soils along streams, populations or environmentally sensitive areas where herbicides cannot be used. You may be asked to provide your name and contact information if follow-up is needed. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Covering the area Chinese yam is a deciduous perennial vine native to China. If possible, please take one or more photos of the invasive species you are reporting. Severe Threat: Chinese Yam is an exotic plant species that possess characteristic s of invasive species and spreads easily into native plant communities and displaces native vegetation. It … Grubbing: This method is appropriate for small initial Other Common Names: Cinnamon vine, air potato. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC. with cardboard may improve the effectiveness and longevity of this method. Having escaped cultivation by the mid 1980s, it is now found throughout the eastern ↑ Johnson, K. 2002. North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, NC. USDA, NRCS. Seeds: The seeds are borne in a three-angle membranous capsule. augmented several times. of seeds has been seen, sexual reproduction has not been verified in the United Morning glory (Ipomoea sp.) temperature should be above 65°F. Native Lookalikes: Currently no information available here yet, or there are no native Texas species that could be confused with Chinese yam. Soehn, Dana. veins. Common Name: Chinese Yam, Cinnamon vine, Air potato. Chinese Yam ranges from the north eastern states of Vermont, south to Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, and as far west as Oklahoma. primarily vegetatively through aerial tubers or bulbils. Juvenile plants can be hand pulled depending on Attributes for the Vascular Flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. 1991. air temperature should be above 65°F. Since that time, it Chinese yam, cinnamon vine Synonyms. Monocots. commonly found in alluvial soils, water may play a role longer-range dispersal. Chinese yam is found in many habitats including forests, ravines, mountain slopes, along rivers and in disturbed areas. The Chinese yam is an edible yam which grows wild in the United States. The leaves are alternate proximally but can become opposite as they advance up the vine. Central, North, South High Invasion Risk. Ambient 4% solution of triclopyr and water to thoroughly wet all foliage. populations. Dioscorea batatas, Dioscorea decaisneana, Dioscorea opposita Conclusions by Zone. and A Synonymized Checklist and Atlas with Biological heavily that herbicide will drip off leaves. Dec. 12, 2002. The Chinese yam, called Shan Yao in Chinese herbalism, is a sweet soothing herb that stimulates the stomach and spleen and has a tonic effect on the lungs and kidneys. Chinese yam. Appearance. You can post now and register later. similar degradable plant material. This species has the potential to become invasive. Shredded or chipped wood may be the best Chinese yam Dioscorea polystachya Turcz. map. National Park Service: Great Smoky Mountains Using a pulaski or similar digging tool, remove the entire plant, including all has a similar leaf Currently a hot species on the watchlist is the Chinese yam. . Join the conversation. ↑ Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The genus Dioscorea has economic value as a food plant and is used as a traditional Chinese medicine. Established populations of Chinese yam have not been found in Canada. Federal or state listed as noxious weed, prohibited, invasive or banned: AL, FL. Leaves: The leaves are acute to acuminate with a cordate In this video I look at the aerial tubers of Chinese yam (Dioscorea polystachya). Kartesz, J.T. Mulching: Mulching is an effective control on small infestations The bulbils or air tubers are present from June to September and resemble very small potatoes. Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council’s Invasive Exotic Pest Plants in Tennessee (Tennessee List).Research Committee of the Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council. Please cite the EDDMapS as: EDDMapS. National Park. Species evaluated with the Predictive Tool: Predicted to be invasive and not recommended by IFAS. The leaves can be alternate or opposite in arrangement on With the exception of the Texas Department of Agriculture list (TDA Noxious Weed List) list and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department list (TPWD Prohibited Exotic Species) list, the purpose of this site is informational and educational and it is not intended to be a regulatory tool. mulch should stay in place for at least two growing season and may need to be Invasive Species - (Dioscorea oppositifolia) Watch List Chinese Yam has slender vines that spiral counterclockwise and pointed, heart-shaped leaves that are often indented on the sides. Flora of the Carolinas. The New York Botanical Garden, Do not apply In: Kartesz, J.T., and C.A. Greenbrier (Smilax sp.) Arrangement may be paniculate or spicate. may also play a role in dispersal. Dioscorea batatas Decaisne 1854 (Chinese Yam, Shan Yao) Syn. Aboveground, it has round, slender stems that twine spirally upwards (from left to right, counterclockwise). The most effective time to treat plants is after the leaves are Plants provide us with food and fiber, decorate our yards and gardens, and provide habitat for wildlife. twine from left to right. Animals reach up to 5 meters in height given support from trees and shrubs. and A. Cronquist. climbing vine native to China that is currently widespread throughout East Asia States as an ornamental or edible food crop in the 1800’s. Susannah Iott, MDARD Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division, 517-420-0473. The largest may weigh 10 pounds (4.5kg) and grow one meter underground. First Edition. Glyphosate is a non-selective Underground, it has a deep, persistent, root-like tuber up to 1 metre long that resprouts annually. Rapid, early growth allows the vine to block out sunlight and shade out native plants. Spreading by dangling potato-like tubers (bulbils) at leaf axils and underground tubers. of the leaves. Johnson, Kristine. systemic herbicide that may kill non-target partially sprayed plants. spicy fragrance similar to cinnamon. LA 70874-4490 USA. Tu (2002) reports that D. oppositifolia is a perennial, twining vine in the Dioscoreaceae (yam) family. Local Concern: Chinese yam can grow up to 16 feet in height, engulfing surrounding vegetation along the way. While this vine dies back in the winter, it grows and reproduces quickly enough to reduce plant diversity and threaten native ecosystems. disturbed areas. The large tuberous root of Chinese yam is The small white flowers smell of cinnamon. Chinese Yam Invasive Species Fact Sheet. Chinese yam is a terrestrial invasive vine that is currently on the Michigan Watch list. capable of resprouting if it is fractured or damaged. eaten tubers can produce new plants. It can tolerate semi-xeric sites with rocky soils. Manual of Vascular Plants of It invades open to shady areas in the Eastern United States. Foliar Spray Method: Use this method to control large States.