Japanese Hop (Humulus japonicus)

Family: Cannabidaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

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).

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves and young shoots - cooked. Use before the end of May. — Young leaves and young shoots - cooked.; Use before the end of May.

Habitat & North American Range

Thickets and roadsides in lowland areas all over Japan. Forest margins, wastelands and along the sides of streams in China. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)