Wild yam vines (Dioscorea bulbifera), also known as air potato vines, are highly invasive plants that spread rapidly across landscapes, gardens, and pastures. Their fast-growing nature and underground tubers make them difficult to control without a selective herbicide designed for broadleaf weed suppression.

These vines smother trees, native vegetation, and crops, leading to reduced biodiversity and crop yields. According to the USDA, wild yam vines can grow up to 8 inches per day, forming dense canopies that block sunlight.

Choosing the best selective herbicide to kill wild yam vines is essential for long-term management. The right herbicide targets yam vines while preserving grasses and surrounding vegetation.

In this article, we’ll explore the 10 most effective selective herbicides available, including trusted brands like Crossbow, Remedy Ultra, Southern Ag, and Hi-Yield Triclopyr 4. Each product review includes key features, advantages, and a realistic assessment to help you make the best choice for your property.

10 Best Selective Herbicide To Kill Wild Yam Vines

1. Crossbow Specialty Herbicide – Best Overall for Broadleaf Control

Crossbow Specialty Herbicide is widely regarded as one of the best products for controlling woody plants, broadleaf weeds, and wild yam vines without harming desirable grasses. Its active ingredients, 2,4-D and Triclopyr, work synergistically to penetrate vine tissues for deep root kill.
This makes it especially effective for large infestations or thick yam growth across pastures and fencerows.

The Crossbow formula is designed for selective action, targeting problem vegetation while leaving most grasses unharmed. It’s ideal for ranchers, landowners, and conservation areas where native grass restoration is crucial.
You can use it on rangelands, roadsides, or industrial sites for long-term vegetation management.

Application is simple—mix with water and apply with a backpack or boom sprayer. For yam vines, two treatments per season typically ensure complete control.
It is also rainfast within 6 hours, ensuring lasting results even in unpredictable weather.

Pros:
• Selective action
• Deep root kill
• Fast absorption
• Grass safe
• Long residual
• Widely trusted
• Cost effective

Cons:
• Not organic
• Requires mixing
• Strong odor

2. Remedy Ultra Herbicide – Best Systemic Herbicide for Woody Vines

Remedy Ultra Herbicide by Corteva Agriscience uses Triclopyr ester, a potent active ingredient that moves through plants to destroy roots, stems, and leaves. It provides reliable control of wild yam vines and other deep-rooted weeds.
This herbicide is selective, allowing it to target invasive vines while preserving most grasses.

Its oil-soluble formulation ensures rapid penetration into waxy vine leaves, making it especially effective for stubborn, thick yam vines. It’s widely used in forestry, range, and non-crop sites.
Remedy Ultra is also rainfast within two hours, which ensures reliable performance even after light showers.

For wild yam vines, apply during active growth when foliage is fully expanded. Results typically appear within 7–10 days.
It’s an excellent choice for professional land managers and homeowners seeking a dependable long-term solution.

Pros:
• Systemic action
• Fast translocation
• Deep root kill
• Grass safe
• Professional grade
• Low reapplication need
• Excellent coverage

Cons:
• Flammable solvent
• Strong odor
• Higher cost

3. Southern Ag Crossbow Weed & Brush Killer – Best for Pasture Management

Southern Ag Crossbow is a cost-effective herbicide blend that targets tough weeds like wild yam vines, kudzu, and poison ivy. It combines 2,4-D and Triclopyr, offering selective control in grassy environments.
This makes it ideal for use on pastures, rangelands, and right-of-ways.

It kills both the top growth and underground tubers, preventing regrowth for several months. The dual-action formula provides visible results within days and complete die-back in weeks.
For best results, spray on actively growing vines during warm weather.

Its low volatility reduces drift risk, ensuring nearby crops and ornamental plants are not harmed. The convenient mixing ratio makes it easy for both professionals and beginners.
This product remains one of the most popular selective herbicides for vine control in the southern U.S.

Pros:
• Low drift risk
• Selective formula
• Quick results
• Affordable price
• Deep kill
• Easy mixing
• Pasture safe

Cons:
• Not for lawns
• Strong scent
• May need respray

4. Hi-Yield Triclopyr 4 Herbicide – Best for Tough Broadleaf Weeds

Hi-Yield Triclopyr 4 Herbicide provides professional-grade results against invasive vines like wild yam, poison oak, and kudzu. It contains 61.6% Triclopyr ester, making it one of the strongest selective herbicides available.
It is ideal for pastures, fence lines, and non-crop areas.

This product’s systemic properties ensure complete absorption into vine tissues and root systems. Within 1–2 weeks, wild yam vines begin to wilt and die off completely.
It’s highly effective when mixed with oil for foliar applications.

Hi-Yield is rainfast within 3 hours, and a single treatment provides long-term control. It’s also suitable for use with power sprayers or backpack sprayers.
Its powerful formulation makes it a go-to choice for professionals and land managers.

Pros:
• High Triclopyr content
• Systemic formula
• Long-lasting effect
• Fast kill rate
• Low reapplication
• Grass safe
• Effective on vines

Cons:
• Flammable
• Chemical odor
• Requires PPE

5. Bayer Advanced Brush Killer Plus – Best for Homeowners

Bayer Advanced Brush Killer Plus is designed for homeowners dealing with invasive vines like wild yam and other brush species. It contains Triclopyr and Dimethylamine salts, ensuring quick penetration and vine death.
It’s selective for broadleaf weeds, keeping lawn grasses unharmed.

The ready-to-use formula makes application easy without mixing or measuring. You can spray directly on affected areas with minimal preparation.
Results are often visible within a week as yam vines begin to curl and brown.

This product is rainproof within 1 hour, offering protection against regrowth for up to three months. It’s ideal for light to moderate infestations around homes and gardens.
Homeowners appreciate its ease of use and consistent performance.

Pros:
• Ready to use
• Rainproof fast
• Home safe
• No mixing
• Effective results
• Lawn friendly
• Trusted brand

Cons:
• Not for large farms
• Limited coverage
• Mild odor

6. Compare-N-Save Brush Killer – Best Budget Option

Compare-N-Save Brush Killer offers an affordable yet effective solution for controlling wild yam vines. It features Triclopyr as the active ingredient, ensuring systemic absorption and long-lasting control.
This makes it ideal for homeowners and property managers on a budget.

The product works well on woody vines and deep-rooted perennials. For best results, apply when the vines are actively growing and avoid mowing for several days after treatment.
Visible damage appears within a week, with full control achieved in about three weeks.

It’s also rainfast within six hours, ensuring durable performance after application. The gallon size covers large areas economically.
This makes Compare-N-Save one of the most cost-efficient herbicides available.

Pros:
• Low cost
• High coverage
• Long-lasting
• Grass selective
• Rainproof
• Easy to use
• Effective results

Cons:
• Slow acting
• Strong smell
• Needs repeat use

7. Alligare Triclopyr 4 Herbicide – Best Professional-Grade Concentrate

Alligare Triclopyr 4 Herbicide is a high-strength selective herbicide perfect for professionals managing wild yam vine infestations. It contains 61.6% Triclopyr ester, offering maximum vine control.
Its oil-soluble nature allows it to penetrate thick foliage and reach underground tubers.

Alligare works effectively on woody vines, brush, and broadleaf weeds while sparing desirable grasses. It’s also compatible with diesel or crop oil for basal bark applications.
Users report long-lasting control with a single treatment per season.

It’s rainfast within three hours, ensuring durability even in humid conditions. Because it’s concentrated, a little goes a long way.
This makes Alligare Triclopyr 4 both economical and powerful for large-acre management.

Pros:
• High potency
• Long residual
• Systemic action
• Grass selective
• Professional use
• Oil compatible
• Cost efficient

Cons:
• Strong odor
• Flammable
• Requires PPE

8. Southern Ag Brush Killer – Best for Brush and Vine Mixes

Southern Ag Brush Killer provides excellent results on mixed infestations of woody brush, vines, and broadleaf weeds. It uses Triclopyr and 2,4-D for maximum selectivity and potency.
It’s highly effective for wild yam vines on fence lines and pastures.

This product’s dual-action formula ensures both foliar and root kill. It can be used with water or oil carriers depending on the application site.
For best outcomes, apply during the vine’s active growth stage in warm weather.

Southern Ag’s reliability and balanced formula make it popular among landowners. Its versatility works on a wide range of invasive species.
With consistent use, it restores the health of desirable grasses and native plants.

Pros:
• Dual active ingredients
• Fast action
• Grass safe
• Low volatility
• Easy to mix
• Affordable cost
• Widely available

Cons:
• Strong smell
• Not for lawns
• Requires reapplication

9. Tordon RTU Specialty Herbicide – Best Ready-to-Use Option

Tordon RTU Specialty Herbicide eliminates woody plants and vines like wild yam without needing mixing or dilution. It’s a ready-to-use formula featuring Picloram, a systemic herbicide that translocates to roots.
It’s excellent for precise spot treatments on individual vines or clusters.

Tordon works best when applied to freshly cut stems or vine bases, ensuring total root destruction. It’s rainproof in two hours and effective throughout multiple seasons.
This herbicide is commonly used in forestry and rangeland management.

Its convenient bottle design includes a squirt applicator for accuracy. Though potent, it’s safe for grasses when applied correctly.
It’s an ideal tool for small-scale applications or targeted infestations.

Pros:
• Ready to use
• No mixing
• Deep root kill
• Rainfast
• Precision control
• Long residual
• Grass safe

Cons:
• Pricey
• Not for lawns
• Toxic to trees

10. GrazonNext HL Herbicide – Best for Pasture Weed Management

GrazonNext HL Herbicide is a professional-grade product combining Aminopyralid and 2,4-D for broadleaf control. It’s highly effective against wild yam vines and similar invasive weeds.
The selective formulation protects grasses while eliminating unwanted species.

It offers residual control for up to one year, preventing regrowth after treatment. This makes it ideal for rangelands, pastures, and non-crop areas.
Farmers prefer it for its ability to enhance forage productivity by removing competition.

The low-odor formula mixes easily with water and can be applied using standard spray equipment. It also has a wide temperature tolerance, working even in cooler months.
GrazonNext HL is a go-to for sustainable pasture weed management.

Pros:
• Long residual
• Fast acting
• Grass safe
• Low odor
• High coverage
• Professional grade
• Season-long control

Cons:
• Not for lawns
• Expensive
• Requires certification

Selective Herbicide To Kill Wild Yam Vines  (FAQs)

1. What herbicide kills wild yam vines permanently?
Products containing Triclopyr or 2,4-D, such as Crossbow or Hi-Yield Triclopyr 4, provide permanent control by killing both foliage and underground tubers.

2. Are selective herbicides safe for grasses?
Yes. Selective herbicides are formulated to target broadleaf weeds like wild yam vines while sparing desirable grasses.

3. When is the best time to spray wild yam vines?
Apply during active growth seasons—spring or early summer—for maximum absorption and effectiveness.

4. How long does it take to see results?
Most herbicides show visible wilting within 5–10 days, with complete vine death occurring in 2–3 weeks.

5. Can I mix herbicides for stronger results?
It’s best to use labeled mixtures only. Combining products without guidance can reduce selectivity or damage grasses.

6. Are Triclopyr-based herbicides safe for pets?
Yes, when used correctly. Keep pets away from treated areas until the spray dries completely.

7. Do wild yam vines grow back after treatment?
If not fully eradicated, they can regrow from tubers. Multiple treatments or follow-up applications may be required.

Conclusion

Wild yam vines are stubborn invaders, but with the right selective herbicide, you can reclaim your pastures, gardens, and landscapes effectively. Products like Crossbow, Remedy Ultra, and GrazonNext HL stand out for their proven results, systemic action, and long-lasting control.
Whether you’re a rancher or homeowner, selecting the correct formulation ensures effective vine elimination without harming grasses.

Consistency is key—apply during active growth and follow all label directions for safe and optimal results.
With proper use, these herbicides restore soil balance and promote the healthy regrowth of desirable plants.

Don’t let invasive vines take over your property. Act today, choose the best selective herbicide, and enjoy cleaner, healthier, and more productive land free from wild yam vines!