Plant Profile: Humulus scandens

The Japanese Hop is a perennial climbing vine belonging to the hemp family, originally found in eastern Asia. Its leaves are arranged oppositely, typically featuring five lobes and a coarse texture. The plant produces greenish flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall, with distinct male and female vines. Both types bear small, five-petaled blooms; however, male flowers grow in airy clusters, while female flowers form short spikes. The fruit develops in elongated clusters, encased in a papery bract.

This plant is resilient to drought and has spread beyond cultivated areas, often outcompeting native species. Consequently, it is advised against planting Japanese Hop.