Annuals Dictionary: Humulus
Hemp family
Cannabinaceae
Hew’mew-lus. Three species of rough-stemmed vines, called hops, natives of the north temperate zone.
Description
Leaves opposite, more or less lobed. Male and female flowers green, on separate plants. Male flowers in catkinlike racemes, with a 5-parted calyx, no petals, 5 stamens. Female flowers in pairs beneath large bracts, which at maturity form a conelike body that contains lupulin, used in beer-making.
How to Grow
Sow seeds outdoors after danger of frost is past. Or start indoors 6 weeks before last frost and transplant when soil is warm. Place in average, well-drained soil in full sun. These rampant vines need sturdy, tall supports and adequate water. They prefer warm weather.
Humulus japonicus
Japanese Hops . Stem-climbing vine, 10-20 ft. (3-6 m) long. Leaves rough, deeply 5- to 7-lobed, the lobes coarsely toothed, the stalk as long as the blade. Male flowers small, light green, in long, hanging clusters to 10 in. (25 cm) long. E. Asia. Cultivars include ‘Variegatus’, with white-streaked foliage, and ‘Lutescens’, with golden leaves. Also sold as H. scandens . Perennial grown as a half-hardy annual.