Japanese Hops

Appearance

Well-developed leaves with 5-9 lobes; abaxial surfaces of leaves pubescent, but not densely so; infructescence rarely longer than 2 cm, with bracts and bracteoles less than 1 cm long, and notable spinulose-ciliate Inflorescences: staminate inflorescences erect, 15–25 cm, flower anthers without glands; pistillate inflorescences spikes, conelike, ovoid; bracteole ovate-orbiculate, 7–10 mm, pilose, margins densely ciliate-hairy. Infructescences pendulous, green, conelike, ovoid to oblong, 1.5-3 cm; bracteoles without yellow glands.

Distribution

''Humulus japonicus'' is native temperate parts of Asia and the tropical environment of Vietnam and Laos, but has become an invasive species in North America since it was imported in the late 19th century.

The plant has been immensely successful in North America, and is found throughout eastern Canada and the eastern half of the United States, and considered a invasive species. In the United States ''Humulus japonicus'' has a lateral range from Nebraska/North Dakota to Maine and a vertical range from Minnesota to Georgia.

Habitat

Japanese hops grow well given plentiful sunlight, moisture, and nutrient rich soil, and are most commonly found along stream banks and floodplains. Japanese hops do not grow as well in shaded areas and drier soils. In milder climates, it can survive the winter.