hops

The hop plant (Humulus lupulus) is a fast-growing, herbaceous climbing plant of the family Cannabaceae. Despite being cultivated for millennia, the hop plant can be found in its wild form in Europe, the United States and western Asia. It is a dioecious plant -- male and female plants -- and a close relative of cannabis.



Only the flowers of the female plant are used in brewing. In addition to several hop strains developed over centuries that are associated with the different national brewing traditions, various new commercial strains have been developed that introduce desirable features and new flavors.



Plants are propagated from rootstock. They stem from a perennial crown and grow in a clockwise direction around a support.



Hop stems are known as bines and are distinguished from vines by their lack of tendrils.