Japanese Hop

Humulus japonicus

Physical Characteristics

Humulus japonicus is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 6 m (19ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Oil Shoots Edible Uses: Oil Young leaves and young shoots - cooked[105, 177, 179]. Use before the end of May.

Medicinal Uses

Diuretic Tonic Urinary The whole plant is diuretic and a genito-urinary tonic[178, 266].

Known Hazards

None known