Sweet Potatoes Description

There are two kinds of sweet potato -- "dry" and "moist" -- which describes the texture of the variety. The moist varieties are often called yams, but the yam is actually a different species that is found in tropical countries.

Sweet potatoes look similar to regular potatoes, but they are not closely related. See more pictures of sweet potatoes & sweet potato recipes.

About Sweet Potatoes

The sweet potato is a tender vining or semi-erect perennial vegetable that is grown as an annual. It has small white, pink, or red-purple flowers. The swollen, fleshy roots range in color from creamy-yellow to deep red-orange.

Common Names: Sweet potatoes, yams
Scientific Name: Ipomoea batatas
Hardiness: Very Tender (will not survive first frost)

In the next section, we'll show you how to grow sweet potatoes.

Want more information about sweet potatoes? Try:

• Vegetable Recipes: Find delicious recipes that feature sweet potatoes.
• Vegetable Gardens: Grow a full harvest of great vegetables this year.
• Gardening: We answer your questions about all things that come from the garden.