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Japanese hop

Scientific Name: Humulus japonicus

Family: Cannabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Annual, Perennial

Other Names:

       

Japanese Hop (Humulus japonicus)

Japanese hop, scientifically known as Humulus japonicus, is an annual, climbing vine belonging to the Cannabaceae (Hemp) family. It's recognized for its rapid growth and potential to form dense mats.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is a climbing or trailing vine.
  • The stems have prickles.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is a climbing or trailing vine.
  • The stems have prickles.

Common and Scientific Names

  • Scientific Name: Humulus japonicus Siebold & Zucc.
  • Common Names: Japanese Hop, Japanese Hops

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Cannabaceae (Hemp family)
  • Synonyms: Humulus scandens (although some sources treat this as a synonym for H. japonicus, others consider them distinct)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native Origin: Temperate Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the Russian Far East)
  • Introduced: Eastern North America

Ecological Role

  • Japanese Hop is considered an invasive species in North America.
  • It can grow rapidly and cover large areas, outcompeting native vegetation.
  • It can form dense mats that smother understory shrubs and small trees.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Annual, herbaceous vine.
  • Climbing or trailing growth habit, reaching lengths of up to 35 feet (approximately 10 meters).
  • Fast-growing.
  • Leaves are simple, opposite, heart-shaped, and palmately lobed (generally 5-lobed).
  • Stems have downward-pointing prickles.
  • Dioecious (separate male and female plants).
  • Female inflorescence is a short spike.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Can climb on the canopy of other plants.

Quirky Facts

  • Despite its name, Japanese Hop is generally considered undesirable for brewing, unlike its relative, Humulus lupulus (Common Hop).
  • Pollen from Japanese Hop (Humulus japonicus) is a major cause of pollinosis (allergy) in Korea.

Resources and Further Information

  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Discover Life
  • Plant Database
  • Invasive Plants: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/invasive_plants