This wild yam is native to the eastern United States.  Dormant in winter, the elegant shoots began to sprial skyward in spring, filled with glossy green leaves.  It can climb over ten feet high on a trellis or poles. This plant does best in well-drained soils with ample sun.

The underground tubers, harvested in fall/winter, have a variety of medicinal uses.  Although often cited as an estrogenic herb, the tubers are a smooth muscle relaxant and antispasmotic, so therefore help with many types of cramping.