How to Harvest Wild Yam

Find out if wild yam grows naturally in your area and ask your local conversation services about harvesting policies. The plant grows naturally throughout the eastern United States, but you can also buy seeds and grow the plant at home if it doesn't grow in your area.

Take a walk through the forest in June or July, when it's easy to spot wild yam. You can also harvest wild yam in the fall, but you won't see flowers on the plant at this time. Wild yam enjoys partial shade and moist conditions. Bring a plant field guidebook with you so that you can correctly identify the plant. The climbing vine grows 5 to 15 feet tall and blooms with small yellowish-green flowers in the spring.

Harvest the plant by digging around the roots with a fork or small shovel. This makes it easier to pull the plant out by the roots. Pull the plant up from the roots and shake off excess dirt. Use both hands to pluck the plant up and ensure that you get all the roots. Only harvest plants that are 5 feet or longer. Follow these same rules after growing wild yam at home. Many plants are ready for harvesting within one to two years after planting.

Cut the vine away from the roots and place the vines back into the earth or use them for composting.

Cut off any discolored or moldy roots and place the roots in a plastic bag.

Clean the roots off with water after you get home. Scrub off any excess dirt. Cut the roots into several pieces and allow the plant to dry. Follow additional preparation guidelines from a local herbalist or seek instructions from an herbal guidebook.