Japanese hops are herbaceous, annual, twining vines that can grow up to 35-feet long. Leaves have five to seven palmately (like a hand) arranged lobes with toothed edges. Both leaves and stems have hooked hairs present. The hooked hairs on the stem can be used to distinguish this species from look-a-likes and are characterized as sharp and downward pointing. Japanese hops flowers in mid-to-late summer with short flower spikes. Flowers are green with five petals.
Distribution:
NOTE: If you receive a "sign in" message, click cancel to continue. Confirmed observations of Japanese Hops submitted to the NYS Invasive Species Database. For more information, visit iMapInvasives
Habitat:
Japanese hops prefers moist, well-lit areas and typically colonizes areas such as stream banks, floodplains, roadsides, and forest edges. Growth is less in sites that are shaded and/or dry.
Threats & Impacts:
Japanese hops grows rapidly and is capable of smothering native plants. It can form dense mats several feet deep that block light to the plants underneath, preventing new plants from emerging. Additionally, it can twine around understory trees and shrubs, which can cause them to break or fall over.
Management Techniques:
The most common management methods for Japanese hops include manual pulling of juvenile plants and selective herbicide treatments.
