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Chinese Yam

Chinese Yam

Dioscorea polystachya

vine part shade💧💧 moderate waterZone 5aZone 11b

A vigorous climbing vine cultivated for its edible tubers with a starchy, potato-like flavor. Native to Asia, it produces heart-shaped leaves and small greenish flowers, with underground corms harvested in autumn.

Overview

Form
Climbing
Growth Rate
fast
Size
6–10′ tall
Dormancy
deciduous

Tolerances & Soil

Zone 5aZone 11b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 5a to Zone 11b

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Harvest Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SummerFall

Climber

Vines that climb the layers above on a support.

Native Range

China, Japan

Function & Care

biomass/mulchdynamic accumulatoredible

Edible Parts

root

Establishment & Care

Establishment
moderate
Maintenance
moderate
Years to Bearing
2 years
Propagation
tuber, cutting