Humulus lupulus var lupuloides #2 (Wild Hops)

Wild Hops is a native, herbaceous perennial vine that can grow from the ground up to 25′ in height in one season, before dying back to the ground in winter. It grows rapidly from underground rhizomes and needs to be planted in partial to full sun for best flowering. During the first year of growth, most of the energy is put into developing its vast root system, penetrating the earth to a depth of 15′ or more! The leaves are not edible, but it is the extract of the fruit bracts that is used to flavor beer.

The vines are dioecious with male and female flowers on different plants. Only the female plants produce the cones used in brewing, so you do not need a male plant to achieve this. Hops tea made from the fruits (strobiles) has long been used medicinally as a sedative. Caution must be used when handling the plant as it is covered in tiny hairs that can be irritating to the skin. Proper research should be done prior to using this or any plant as a medicinal or edible.

The Question Mark and the Red Admiral butterfly use Wild Hops as a larval host.

Sources:
Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs by Steven Foster and James A. Duke
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Cornell Cooperative Extension

Photo Credits:
Leaves and Flowers: Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Flower Detail: Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons