Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 2754553

Wild Yam

Dioscorea villosa

Also known as Colic Root, Rheumatism Root, Devil's Bones, Fourleaf Yam

Wild yam climbs over shrubs and understory vegetation in rich eastern woodlands using slender twining stems that coil clockwise. Its heart-shaped leaves feature distinct parallel-curved veins radiating from the base, frequently arranged in distinct whorls of four along the lower stem. In late summer, female vines produce dangling clusters of papery, three-winged seed capsules that dry to a warm golden brown in autumn.

VineNativePerennial
Wild Yam reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Photosynthetic
Predators
  • White-tailed Deer
  • Defoliating Insects
  • Rodents
ThreatsHabitat loss, displacement by invasive exotic vines
HabitatsMoist woodlands, floodplain forests, thickets, streambanks
Life spanPerennial
Classification
  1. OrderDioscoreales
  2. FamilyDioscoreaceae
  3. GenusDioscorea
  4. SpeciesDioscorea villosa
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Raw roots contain saponins that cause severe nausea; wild plants have toxic look-alikes, so never ingest.
Why it is dangerous
Contains dioscin and other saponins that trigger gastrointestinal distress, severe nausea, and vomiting if eaten raw.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by twining stems, heart-shaped leaves with radiating veins, and papery three-winged seed pods.
What to do
Enjoy observing and photographing foliage from trails without digging up or consuming wild tubers.
Responsible observation
  • Leaf Pattern: Examine lower stem leaf whorls to help confirm identification.
  • Fruit Identification: Look for unique papery, three-winged seed pods hanging from female plants in late summer.
  • Woodland Search: Scan damp forest edges, thickets, and streambanks throughout eastern North America.
Related species
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