Is this the same as the hops used for beer?

No, while related, it does not produce the same aromatic cones used in brewing.

Regular mowing or pulling before it sets seed is the most effective way to manage its spread.

Plant guide

Japanese hop.

Humulus scandens

Pronounced HYOO-moo-lus SKAN-denz

Also known as Japanese Hop, Japanese Hops, Wild hop, hooked hair hops

Japanese Hops — Photo by ch3chia (CC BY) via iNaturalist

The Japanese hop is a fast growing annual vine known for its aggressive climbing habit. It is often found in disturbed areas where it can quickly cover fences or trellises. You should be careful with this plant as it is considered invasive in many regions.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Annual vine
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 10 to 20 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 4 to 9
Bloom time: Mid to late summer

Care

Provide a sturdy support structure for the vines to climb as they grow rapidly throughout the season. Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves which can indicate moisture stress or nutrient deficiency. Wear gloves when handling to avoid irritation from the tiny hooked hairs on the stems.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the active growing season.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer.
Pruning: Trim back excessive growth regularly to keep the vine within its designated space.
Repotting: Since this is an annual, you will typically start fresh with new seeds each year.
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: -15 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Annual, completes its life cycle in one growing season.
Deer and rabbits: High

Safety

People: The rough hairs on the stems and leaves can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, though the rough hairs can cause mild skin irritation.
Children: The sharp, hooked hairs on the stems can scratch delicate skin, so keep children away from the vines.
Contact allergens: The stiff, hooked hairs on the stems and leaves can cause skin irritation or rashes upon contact.
Airborne allergens: The pollen can be a significant allergen for those sensitive to windborne particles during the late summer flowering period.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible and may cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested.

How to identify it

Rough, sandpapery leaf texture
Opposite, palmately lobed leaves
Small, hooked hairs on stems
Green, cone like flower clusters

Height: 2 to 6m
Spread: 1 to 3m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: green, yellow, 1 to 2cm
Fruit: brown, Autumn

Problems to watch for

Aphids · Small insects that cluster on new growth and suck sap.
Powdery mildew · A fungal infection causing white dusty patches on leaves.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed
When to plant: spring
Overwintering: As an annual, the plant will die back completely after the first hard frost. You can clear the dead vines in late autumn or early winter to keep the garden tidy.
In containers: It is not recommended for containers due to its extreme vigor and need for significant space.

Seed

1. Collect seeds in late autumn once they have turned brown.
2. Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring.
3. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination occurs.

Because this plant is highly invasive, it is best grown in isolation or avoided entirely in favor of native alternatives.

Grows well with

Tall Sunflower · They share similar light and moisture requirements in a wild garden setting.

Similar species

Common Hop · It is a perennial relative that is less aggressive and more useful for brewing.

Science

Family: Cannabaceae
Genus: Humulus
Order: Rosales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Eastern Asia
Conservation: It is considered an invasive species in many parts of North America and is not of conservation concern.

It thrives in disturbed areas and along riverbanks where it can quickly climb over competing vegetation to reach sunlight.

Value to wildlife: larval host plant
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental screen, rapid ground cover, erosion control

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 6/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 7/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is this the same as the hops used for beer?: No, while related, it does not produce the same aromatic cones used in brewing.
How do I control it?: Regular mowing or pulling before it sets seed is the most effective way to manage its spread.

Where the name comes from

The name Humulus is derived from the Latin word for earth, referring to its tendency to sprawl, while scandens means climbing.

Good to know

It is an annual vine that can grow several inches in a single day under ideal conditions.
The stems are covered in small, hooked prickles that help it climb over other plants.
It is closely related to the common hop used in brewing, though it lacks the same aromatic properties.

Also in

Deer-resistant plants

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.