Chinese Yam

Chinese Yam at Devil's Den (Gettysburg National Military Park)

NPS photo

Chinese Yam (Dioscorea oppositifolia) is a type of yam native to Myanmar (Burma), India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh.

Annual Growth Rate: 20-23 ft.
Location (Throughout Park):

• Forest
• Forest edges
• Stream banks
• Fences

Impact:

• Aggressive vine growth diminishes native biodiversity.
• Vines can damage trees by weighing them down and breaking branches.

Management:

Park biologists are monitoring existing locations and are addressing new growth areas as they are detected.

What Can You Do?

As a devoted visitor to Gettysburg National Military Park, you can see the direct impact the Chinese Yam is having on your park. During the warm weather months, we host a series of Volunteer Work Days. Sign up for one or all of these to lend a hand! You have the opportunity to aid our staff to combat this invading species and perhaps slow or halt their march across our fields, our hills, our stone walls, our fences, or even around our monuments.

• Report new growth sightings.
• Pull up small to medium plants, insuring as much of the root is removed.
• Cover the plant with dense layers of mulch, hay, or grass clippings in order to smother and hinder its growth.

 

Volunteering

How to Help

Get Involved