common hop

Humulus lupulus is a species of flowering plant in the Cannabaceae family, commonly known as the hop plant. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America, and is widely cultivated for its use in the production of beer.

Humulus lupulus is typically propagated by cuttings or rhizomes, and is often grown on trellises or wires to support its climbing habit. The plant requires ample sunlight, water, and nutrients to produce healthy cones.

The female flowers, or cones, of the hop plant are the part of the plant that is used in the brewing of beer. They contain compounds called alpha acids and beta acids, which provide the bitter flavor and act as a preservative.

In addition to its use in beer production, Humulus lupulus has a long history of use in traditional medicine for its sedative, anxiolytic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been studied for its potential use in the treatment of a variety of other conditions, including insomnia, anxiety, and menopausal symptoms.

Common hop is a perennial vine that can grow up to 6 meters (20 feet) tall, with a woody base and twining stems. It has a deep root system that allows it to withstand drought conditions, and it prefers well-drained soils.

The plant has a deep root system that allows it to survive drought conditions. It also has rhizomes, which are underground stems that can produce new shoots and roots.

The stem is a twining vine that can grow up to 6 meters (20 feet) tall. It is woody at the base and herbaceous higher up, with rough-textured bark and a slightly ribbed appearance.

The leaves are alternate and palmately lobed, with 3-5 lobes that are deeply incised. They are arranged along the stem in a spiral pattern, and are between 4-12 cm (1.5-4.5 inches) long. The upper surface of the leaf is rough, while the underside is soft and hairy.

The plant is dioecious, meaning that it has separate male and female plants. The female plants produce the hop cones that are used in brewing. These cones are made up of overlapping scales that protect the developing seeds. The male flowers are small and grow in loose clusters.

The fruit is a cone-like structure that is made up of bracts (modified leaves) that protect the seeds. These cones are harvested and dried for use in brewing beer.

Sources

2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 28, 29, 30.

Habitat

Vine

3-Lobed Leaves

5-Lobed Leaves

Infructescence