Hop

Humulus lupulus

SIZE AND DESCRIPTION

Perennial climber with twining stems growing to 6m tall. Leaves are large, opposite, bristly and usually have 3–5 leaflets. Plants are unisexual, males with branched clusters of flowers, females with papery cones.

DISTRIBUTION

Native to northern temperate regions, and often cultivated.

USES

Best known for its use in flavouring beer, and grown on a large commercial scale for the brewing industry. Only the fruiting heads are used. Young shoots can be steamed and eaten like asparagus. Hops are said to counter liver and digestive disorders, and used to make a mild sedative.