American Common Hop (Humulus lupulus subsp. americanus)

American wild hop American hop
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Humulus lupulus subsp. americanus - American Wild Hop

Climbing vigorously across the moist woodlands of North America, this herbaceous perennial vine is highly valued for its aromatic cones. It thrives along riverbanks and forest edges where it can access ample sunlight. The subspecies is crucial both to native pollinators and to the historical development of regional brewing.

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 lupulus (Common Hop)
  • ∟ subspecies Humulus lupulus subsp. americanus (American Common Hop)

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Morphology

This climbing plant produces annual stems, or bines, from a persistent underground rhizome. The bines grow clockwise around physical supports and are covered with stiff, downward-pointing hairs that provide grip. Leaves are opposite, deeply divided into three to five serrated lobes, and rough to the touch.

This subspecies is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate plants. The female inflorescences develop into cone-like structures called strobiles. These cones are dotted with yellow glands that secrete bitter resins and essential oils.

Flowering season

Mid to late summer

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Applications

The wild hop has found various uses throughout history, particularly in beverage production and ecology:

  • Brewing: The lupulin glands of the female cones provide the distinct bitterness and citrus aroma in craft ales.
  • Larval host: It serves as a vital food source for the caterpillars of butterflies like the Eastern Comma.
  • Traditional remedies: Native American tribes historically prepared infusions of the cones to alleviate sleep disturbances.

Interesting facts

Unlike vines that climb using tendrils or adhesive disks, hops climb solely by wrapping their main stems around structures. These stems can grow several inches in a single day during the peak summer heat. The chemical compounds in the native American subspecies contributed to the unique flavor profile of modern American pale ales.

Geography of distribution

  • United States
  • Canada

Sources

  • Plants of the World Online (POWO)
  • World Flora Online (WFO)
  • Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
  • USDA Plants Database

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

See also

True Araucarias

True Araucarias

Araucaria sect. Araucaria

Araucaria sect. Araucaria is a botanical section of evergreen conifers native to South America. It …

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