Common Hop is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in woodland and hedgerows, to a mature height of up to 500cm.
The Common Hop is a woody climber that has male and female flowers, which grow on separate plants. Male flowers have five cream-coloured tepals, whereas the female flowers are in catkins and less conspicuous. Fertilisation takes place by wind pollination. The hop cones that are used in brewing are formed from the catkins, following pollination.
Botanic classification and naming: Common Hop is a member of the Hemp (Cannabaceae) family. The genus name
'Humulus' identifies the plant as a Hop and its species name 'lupulus' means 'hop plant'.
Benefits: Provides nectar for insects, shelter for birds and a food source for caterpillars of the Comma butterfly and several moth species. It also attracts the Red Admiral butterfly.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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