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Invasive Species: Cinnamon Vine

Chinese yam

Invasive Species: Cinnamon Vine

Cinnamon Vine

(formerly Chinese Yam)

(Dioscorea polystachya; previously Dioscorea oppositifolia)
*Detected in Michigan*

WATCH LIST

Report this species to: 

Use the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) online reporting tool

- Or - download the MISIN smartphone app and report from your phone - MISIN.MSU.edu/tools/apps/#home

Identification:

  • 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.

chinese yam
Photo courtesy of Troy Evans, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bugwood.org.

chinese yam
Cinnamon vine "air potato." Photo courtesy of Chris Evans, Illinois Wildlife Action Plan, Bugwood.org.

chinese yam
Photo courtesy of Chris Evans, Illinois Wildlife Action Plan, Bugwood.org.

Habitat: This deciduous vine can be found along roadsides, fence rows, stream banks, ditches and rich, mesic forests. While it tolerates anything from full sun to deep shade, it prefers intermediate light.

Native Range: Asia.

U.S. Distribution: Cinnamon vine has spread to 16 southeastern states since its introduction in the 1800’s and has been recorded in some locations in Michigan.

Local Concern: Cinnamon vine 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.

Other Common Names: Chinese yam, air potato.

Native look-alikes and how you can tell them apart from cinnamon vine:

  • Native yam: Vines spiral clockwise, no aerial tubers.
  • Greenbrier: Lacks bulbils, has blue/purple berries.
  • Field bindweed: Lacks aerial tubers.

Control: See information in the Michigan Species Profile for Cinnamon Vine.

MORE INFORMATION:

Cinnamon Vine Invasive Species Alert - Printable PDF

Michigan Species Profile for Cinnamon Vine - Printable PDF