Common hop (var. lupuloides) is a perennial vine that grows from a stout rhizome and dies back to the ground each year. It grows quickly to its full length by June, then stops growing vertically and begins producing side arms and flowers. The rough, prickly stem has stiff hairs that anchor the vine to adjacent structures. It climbs by twining, or turning clockwise at the tip. Charles Darwin observed that it made a complete revolution every 128 minutes during daytime in hot weather.
 
Although parts of the plant are poisonous, the fruits are covered with yellowish- to orangish-stalked glands that secrete a bitter substance, lupulin, used to flavor beers.
 
Native habitats include thickets, woodland borders, riverbanks, wooded bluff slopes, fencerows, railroads, disturbed areas.
 
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 15-25' long. 
 
Grows in full or part sun. Produces more flowers in full sun.
 
Prefers average to moist, well-drained soils, especially sandy/loamy.
 
Flowers July-August.
 
Reproductive System: Male and female parts are on separate plants (dioecious). Only the females produce the cone-shaped "hops" used in brewing. The male plant serves as a pollinator and is not needed for the female plants to produce hop cones.
 
Wildlife Value:
Host plant for larvae of red admiral and question mark butterflies.
 
Caution: Leaves, flowers, and pollen are poisonous due to volative oils and bitter acids. Skin irritation upon contact. 
 
Resources:
Cornell Cooperative Extension: https://ccemadison.org/agriculture/hops-program/growing-hops-at-home#:~:text=The%20hop%20plant%20produces%20best%20under%20specific,frost%20free%20days%20are%20needed%20for%20flowering.
 
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=HULUL
 
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