Rough Potato: A Climbing Vine with an Unusual Name
If you’ve ever stumbled across the name rough potato and wondered what on earth it could be, you’re not alone! This quirky moniker belongs to Metaplexis japonica, a climbing vine that’s definitely not related to the spuds in your pantry. Despite its confusing common name, this perennial climber has carved out a niche in some American gardens with its vigorous growth and delicate flowers.
What Exactly Is Rough Potato?
Rough potato is a herbaceous perennial vine that belongs to the milkweed family. As a forb herb, it lacks the woody stems you’d find on shrubs or trees, instead producing soft, green growth that dies back in winter and returns each spring. Don’t let the herb classification fool you though – this plant can climb with the best of them when given proper support.
Where Does It Come From?
Here’s where things get interesting from a native gardening perspective. Rough potato is not native to North America – it originally hails from East Asia, including Japan, Korea, and China. In the United States, it’s been introduced and now reproduces on its own in the wild, currently documented in Iowa. While it’s established itself without human intervention, it’s not currently listed as invasive or noxious.
Should You Plant Rough Potato?
As native gardening enthusiasts, we always encourage choosing native plants first. However, if you’re drawn to rough potato’s unique characteristics and are in an area where it’s already established, it can serve certain garden purposes. Here are some considerations:
Reasons You Might Like It:
- Fast-growing vine that quickly covers trellises, fences, or arbors
- Heart-shaped leaves provide lush, green coverage
- Small, fragrant white to pale yellow flowers appear in summer
- Attracts butterflies and bees when in bloom
- Hardy in zones 5-9, making it suitable for many climates
Things to Consider:
- It’s not native, so it won’t support local ecosystems as effectively as native alternatives
- Can be vigorous and may need management to prevent overgrowth
- Limited wildlife benefits compared to native climbing plants
Native Alternatives to Consider
Before planting rough potato, consider these native climbing alternatives that offer similar garden benefits while supporting local wildlife:
- American groundnut (Apios americana) – edible tubers and fragrant flowers
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) – heart-shaped leaves, great groundcover
- Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) – excellent fall color
- Native honeysuckles (Lonicera species) – beloved by hummingbirds
How to Grow Rough Potato Successfully
If you decide to grow rough potato, here’s how to help it thrive:
Growing Conditions:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Provide well-drained soil with moderate moisture
- Ensure adequate space – this vine can spread considerably
- Install support structures like trellises, fences, or arbors
Planting and Care Tips:
- Plant in spring after the last frost
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots
- Once established, it’s relatively drought-tolerant
- Minimal pruning needed, but trim as necessary to control growth
- Dies back to the ground in winter and returns in spring
The Bottom Line
Rough potato can be an interesting addition to gardens where fast-growing, climbing coverage is needed. However, as responsible gardeners, we encourage exploring native alternatives first. If you do choose to plant it, be mindful of its vigorous nature and consider its limited role in supporting local ecosystems compared to native species. Whatever you decide, make sure it fits your garden’s needs and your commitment to regular maintenance – this vine definitely likes to make its presence known!
