// SPECIES PROFILE · VINE · NATIVE

Fourleaf yam

Dioscorea quaternata

Fourleaf yam (Dioscorea quaternata) is a vine in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11b. Mature size 6'–15'. Blooms Apr–Aug.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: vine
Native range: Native to 27 U.S. states, including AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, IA…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–11b
Mature size: 6'–15'
Sun: —
Water: —
Bloom: Apr–Aug
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Fourleaf yam (Dioscorea quaternata) — *Dioscorea quaternata* — Fourleaf yam. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) Nathan Aaron, some rights reserved (CC BY).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Fourleaf yam (Dioscorea quaternata) is a vine in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11b. Mature size 6'–15'. Blooms Apr–Aug.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, fourleaf yam pairs naturally with: Summer Grape (Vitis aestivalis), Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), Virgin's Bower (Clematis virginiana), American hogpeanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata var. bracteata).