White yam Dioscorea rotundata
White yam (Dioscorea rotundata) is a deciduous perennial vegetable in the Dioscoreaceae family, native to West Africa (the “yam belt”). It grows 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) tall and 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 15 °C (59 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
Plan White yam in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
White yam at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Dioscoreaceae |
| Mature height | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 15 °C (59 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 14–21 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: tubers (cooked; pounded yam) |
| Native to | West Africa (the “yam belt”) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇰🇪 Kenya |
Is White yam toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: raw tuber
Raw tubers contain irritant oxalates and must be cooked.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with White yam
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about White yam
- How far apart should I plant White yam?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft).
- Does White yam need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does White yam need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is White yam?
- It tolerates about 15 °C (59 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does White yam flower?
- About 14–21 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks.
- Is White yam poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Raw tubers contain irritant oxalates and must be cooked.
- What grows well with White yam?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for White yam. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PROTA4U: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, PROTA Foundation, Wageningen
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
Notes and assumptions
- Planted from seed yams on mounds and staked; Nigeria grows most of the world’s yams. Vines die back in the dry season.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- White bat lily Tacca integrifolia
- Chinese yam (nagaimo) Dioscorea polystachya
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Lettuce Lactuca sativa
- Carrot Daucus carota subsp. sativus