Scientific Family
Cannabaceae
Synonyms
Humulus americanus, Humulus lupulus ssp. americanus
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
7 to 50 feet long
Riparian
Yes
Long, large leafed vine that climbs over rocks and up into trees. It dies back each year to the ground. The female flowers are often called "cones" and are known as hops. They are used
as a culinary flavoring and preservative in the brewing of beer.
Perennial twining vine, woody only towards the base. In Yavapai county this plant is further identified as Humulus lupulus
lupuloides var.
Habitat
Coniferous forests, rocky slopes and stream banks.
Plant Community
Riparian
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
5500
High elevation
9500
Flower Characteristics
Male and female flowers are on separate plants. The numerous male flowers are yellowish or whitish green, star-like to 1/4 inch across in elongated clusters. Female plants produce
cone-shaped spikes of flowers on slender stalks from the leaf axils.
Flower color
Yellowish-white, green
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
July
Last bloom month
August
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Dark green above, lighter with prickly veins beneath. The leaves have 3 to 5 lobes, are very rough and sharply toothed along the edges. They are to 10 inches long and 7 inches wide with long petioles. The main stem is rough and candy cane-striped.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Dark green
Leaf shape
Palmate
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Achenes are ovoid and compressed.
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit color
Yellowish