Coco Yam: A Tropical Beauty for Water-Loving Gardeners
If you’ve ever dreamed of adding a touch of the tropics to your garden, coco yam (Colocasia esculenta var. esculenta) might just be the plant you’re looking for. With its impressive heart-shaped leaves and love for moisture, this perennial forb brings an exotic flair that’s hard to resist.
What Exactly Is Coco Yam?
Coco yam is a non-woody perennial plant that belongs to the group of plants called forbs. Think of it as an herbaceous plant that comes back year after year, but without the thick, woody stems you’d find on shrubs or trees. Its scientific name is Colocasia esculenta var. esculenta, and you might also see it referred to by its synonym Arum esculentum.
Where Does It Come From and Where Can You Find It?
Originally from Southeast Asia, coco yam has made itself at home in warmer parts of the United States. This non-native species has established itself and reproduces on its own in several states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Puerto Rico.
The Appeal: Why Gardeners Fall for Coco Yam
Let’s be honest – it’s all about those leaves! Coco yam produces stunning, heart-shaped foliage that can reach 2-3 feet in length. The large, tropical-looking leaves create an instant exotic atmosphere wherever they’re planted. The rich green color and dramatic size make this plant a real showstopper in the garden.
Where Does Coco Yam Shine in Your Landscape?
This moisture-loving plant is perfect for:
- Water gardens and pond edges
- Bog gardens
- Tropical-themed landscapes
- Container gardens (especially large pots)
- Areas with consistently moist soil
Coco yam works beautifully as a specimen plant or as part of a lush, tropical planting scheme. Its bold foliage provides excellent contrast when paired with finer-textured plants.
Growing Conditions: Keeping Your Coco Yam Happy
Think tropical swamp and you’ll understand what coco yam loves:
- Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist to wet – this plant is not drought-tolerant
- Light: Partial shade to full sun (some afternoon shade is appreciated in hot climates)
- Temperature: Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-11
- Soil: Rich, organic soil that holds moisture well
Planting and Care Tips
Getting started with coco yam is relatively straightforward:
- Plant tubers in spring after the last frost
- Choose a location with reliable moisture – near water features is ideal
- In colder zones, grow in containers and bring indoors for winter
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season for best leaf development
- Watch for pests like aphids and spider mites, especially on indoor plants
A Word About Wildlife and Pollinators
While coco yam creates a lush, tropical look, it’s not particularly beneficial for pollinators. The plant is primarily wind-pollinated and doesn’t offer significant nectar or pollen resources for bees and butterflies.
Should You Plant Coco Yam?
As a non-native species that has naturalized in many areas, coco yam can be a beautiful addition to water gardens and tropical landscapes. However, if you’re focusing on native plant gardening, consider these alternatives:
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) for shaded, moist areas
- Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) for wet areas
- Blue flag iris (Iris versicolor) for water garden edges
If you do choose to grow coco yam, enjoy its dramatic tropical beauty while being mindful of its growing requirements. With consistent moisture and warm temperatures, this striking plant will reward you with lush, exotic foliage that transforms any water garden or moist landscape into a tropical paradise.
