Japanese Hops: Humulus japonicus
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Weed Description: Annual climbing or trailing vine with 5-lobed leaves and stems with prickles. Japanese Hops is primarily a weed of pastures, hayfields, and other noncrop areas that is found throughout Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and West Virginia. |
| Leaves: Leaves are
approximately 2 to 4 inches long and are divided into 5 distinct lobes. Leaves are
rough to the touch and occur on petioles that may reach 8 inches in length. Bracts
occur at the base of the leaf petioles. Stems: Climbing or trailing along the ground and are covered with small prickles that are turned downward. Bracts occur where the leaf petioles attach to the stem. |
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Flowers: Individual flowers are
relatively inconspicuous, without petals, and green in color. Flowers occur in
clusters that may reach 2 1/2 inches in length. Fruit: An achene. |
| Identifying Characteristics: The climbing or trailing growth habit, conspicuously 5-lobed leaves, and stems with downward pointed prickles are all characteristics that help in the identification of Japanese hops. Wild cucumber (Echinocystis lobata) also has 5-lobed leaves and a similar growth habit, however this weed has tendrils and does not have the downward pointing prickles along the stem like Japanese hops. |  |