Cinnamon Vine (Dioscorea polystachya)

plants, terrestrial, tier 2

History & Introduction

Dioscorea polystachya or cinnamon vine is a species of flowering plant in the yam family. It is a perennial climbing vine, native to East Asia, where it grows throughout. The edible tubers are cultivated largely in Asia and sometimes used as alternative medicine. It was introduced to the United States in the 19th century for culinary and cultural purposes and is now considered an invasive species in many states. It is troublesome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where its range is “rapidly expanding”, particularly into the Tennessee Valley where different native, hybrid and/or invasive non-native variants of morning glory and bindweed as well as invasive kudzu have all become problematic. In New York, cinnamon vine is a Tier 2 species listed for eradication. It is currently reported in Brooklyn and Queens counties.

Identification & Biology

Cinnamon vines are a tuberous perennial vine that can grow up to 16 ft or more. They twine clockwise and the leaves are cordate or heart shaped with vertical, parallel veins. The leaves can grow 4-6 inches long and 4 inches wide, and are lobed at the base. The leaf arrangement is variable; leaves can be alternate, opposite or whorled on different parts of the plant. Leaf shape can also be variable, from three lobed and cordate to almost rounded on younger plants. Rounded bulbils appear in the leaf axils and are approximately .75 inches long. New plants sprout from the bulbils and plants produce small, white, cinnamon smelling flowers annually. The plant also produces cylindrical shaped tubers that can weigh up to ten pounds and grows up to 3 ft underground.

Damage and Concern

Cinnamon vine can form dense masses of vines that cover and kill native vegetation, including trees, within a variety of moist, disturbed habitats. Cinnamon vine can survive in many habitats but is most aggressive in rich, mesic bottomland forests, floodplains, and stream banks. This species favors disturbance, and can grow in a wide variety of light levels, from full sun to full shade. It is also known to move into undisturbed, shady habitats. Cinnamon vine hasn’t shown to reproduce well from seed, but reproduces asexually and rather vigorously from its aerial bulbils, which are responsible for the rapid spread of this species through floodplains and riparian areas. It can form dense mats or blankets of aerial vines that outgrow and outcompete many native species. It restricts light penetration to the forest floor and can form heavy weights that break down small trees and shrubs. Once established in an area, cinnamon vine can completely displace native vegetation, dominating forest layers and leaving little opportunity for wildlife. Cinnamon vine competes heavily with other plants for sunlight and resources.

Management & Control

Manual/Mechanical Control

The most effective control for cinnamon vine is to prevent it from becoming established. A combination of manual and mechanical methods can be used to remove the stems and vines and prevent the production of aerial tubers. The large, deep growing tubers can be removed manually, but fragments or root pieces left in the soil can sprout and develop healthy new plants. A combination of mechanical and chemical methods is most effective.

Chemical Control

Foliar application of systemic herbicides (e.g., glyphosate or triclopyr) can be very effective, but care must be taken to limit damage to non target species. Foliar treatment can be successful in the spring through late summer. Treatment and monitoring an area for several years may be necessary to ensure that herbicide translocates to the tubers and eliminates them. Dormant bulbils may continue to sprout for several years, making monitoring and follow up treatment critical. When using any chemical control, always read the entire pesticide label carefully, follow all mixing and application instructions and use all personal protective gear and clothing specified.

Monitoring & Reporting

LIISMA is currently monitoring Dioscorea polystachya as part of our Early Detection and Rapid Response program. As reports of the species are collected, LIISMA is dedicated to delineating and managing any early emerging infestations of the species before they become widespread. D. polystachya is currently a Tier 2 species on Long Island, prioritized for early detection and containment.

Your reports matter to us– report the species to iMapinvasives as soon as you detect it.