American Hop (Humulus americanus)

American hops
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Humulus americanus: The Native American Hop

Deep within the temperate forests and along riverbanks of North America, a vigorous climbing vine weaves its way through the native canopy. Humulus americanus, widely recognized for its contribution to regional brewing traditions, exhibits a remarkable resilience and adaptability in its natural habitat.

This herbaceous perennial belongs to the Cannabaceae family and is closely related to the common commercial hop. It plays a significant ecological role by providing cover for wildlife and serving as a host plant for various butterfly species.

Taxonomy

  • ∟ царство Plantae
  • ∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
  • ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
  • ∟ Angiosperms
  • ∟ mesangiosperms (Core angiosperms)
  • ∟ eudicots
  • ∟ Superrosids
  • ∟ rosids
  • ∟ order Rosales
  • ∟ family Cannabaceae (Hemp family)
  • ∟ genus Humulus (Hops)
  • ∟ species Humulus americanus (American Hop)

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Morphology

The plant features robust, twining stems equipped with stout, downward-pointing hairs that facilitate its upward climb. Its leaves are distinctly lobed, typically displaying three to five deep segments with serrated margins.

During the blooming period, it produces dioecious flowers. The female inflorescences, known as strobiles or cones, are papery and covered in lupulin glands, which contain the valuable resins and essential oils.

Flowering season

Late Summer to Early Autumn

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Name
Dec

Applications

Historically, indigenous communities utilized various parts of the vine for traditional remedies and weaving materials. Today, selected strains are occasionally explored by craft brewers seeking unique, native aromatic profiles to enhance specialized beers.

Interesting facts

  • The glandular hairs on the female cones secrete lupulin, a yellowish powder rich in alpha acids.
  • It uses bines, not vines, to climb, meaning it wraps its entire stem around a support rather than using tendrils.

Geography of distribution

  • United States
  • Canada

Sources

  • Plants of the World Online (POWO)
  • Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

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