How much sun does Coco-yam need?

Coco-yam grows best in part sun conditions.

Where is Coco-yam native?

Coco-yam (Colocasia esculenta) is native to AL, FL, LA, MS and 2 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Coco-yam toxic to dogs?

Yes. Coco-yam is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Coco-yam toxic to cats?

Yes. Coco-yam is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Coco-yam HOA-friendly?

Coco-yam takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Coco-yam

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Colocasia esculenta

Last reviewed: June 2026

Coco-yam is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

24"–48" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, FL, LA, MS and 2 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Texas Blackland Prairies South Central Plains

Colocasia esculenta produces large, heart-shaped leaves that create a bold tropical appearance in the garden. This moisture-loving perennial thrives in partial sun and requires consistent watering to maintain its lush foliage. The plant forms substantial clumps that can serve as dramatic focal points in landscape beds.

In an HOA neighborhood

Coco-yam takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very tropical appearance conflicts with traditional Southern landscapes
Large leaves can look messy when damaged
Not native and may be viewed as exotic or inappropriate

Wildlife value

This plant provides minimal wildlife value as it rarely flowers in cultivation and offers limited resources for native pollinators. The large leaves may provide shelter for small wildlife but do not support local ecosystem food webs.

Common questions

How much sun does Coco-yam need?: Coco-yam grows best in part sun conditions.
Where is Coco-yam native?: Coco-yam (Colocasia esculenta) is native to AL, FL, LA, MS and 2 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Coco-yam toxic to dogs?: Yes. Coco-yam is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Coco-yam toxic to cats?: Yes. Coco-yam is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Coco-yam HOA-friendly?: Coco-yam takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Coco-yam and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.

Find pet-safe natives

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz