Cinnamon vine (Dioscorea oppositifolia) is an aggressive vine that grows in drainages, streambanks, and along roadsides. It prefers full sun but can grow in any light and soil conditions. The leaves are heart shape, slender, and have indents along the veins. They can be either alternate or opposite along the vine and wrap around counterclockwise. There are bulbils present throughout June and September and some describe them as small potatoes. The flowers have a fragrance similar to cinnamon and are white or yellow spikes. This vine can grow up to 16 feet high. Michigan has a native cinnamon vine (Dioscorea villosa) which can be differentiated from the invasive yam since it spirals clockwise and does not have tubers off the ground.
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Environmental effects
When invasive cinnamon vine begins to climb it can have multiple harmful impacts. The vine can smother native plants and block out sunlight. Both causes a reduction in native plant diversity. When the vines mature, they can break off large limbs on trees. Finally, this plant offers very little value to wildlife.
Treatments
NON-CHEMICAL CONTROL METHODS
- Hand pulling: this should only be used for small and relatively new populations of cinnamon vine. They have deep tuberous roots that can resprout if not entirely removed. Overall, this method is not typically recommended. If you go this route, plan to check for regrowth for several years.
CHEMICAL CONTROL METHODS
- Foliar spraying: this treatment is recommended. Spraying herbicide on the leaves that can be reached can cause the vine to die back. It is best to apply herbicide after the leaves have appeared but before the bulbils are fully ripened.