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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Humulus japonicus is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 6 m (19ft 8in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

H. scandens. (Louriero.)Merrill.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Oil Shoots
Edible Uses: Oil

Young leaves and young shoots - cooked[105, 177, 179]. Use before the end of May.

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Diuretic Tonic Urinary

The whole plant is diuretic and a genito-urinary tonic[178, 266].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Oil

The seed oil is used to make soap[266].

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Easily grown in a good garden soil in sun or semi-shade[1, 200]. Prefers a deep rich loam[1]. A fast growing plant, with annual stems of up to 10 metres long being produced[219]. Plants rarely survive the winter outdoors in Britain, so are best grown as annuals[219]. This report needs confirmation since the plant is also reported as being hardy in zone 5 which would mean that it should succeed outdoors virtually anywhere in Britain[K]. A climbing plant, supporting itself by twining around the branches of other plants[219]. The bruised leaves are refreshingly aromatic whilst the flowers cast a pleasing scent[245]. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame[37]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring as new growth begins[1]. Take the divisions when the new shoots are about 10cm above ground level. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Basal cuttings in March. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Mongolia, Russian Federation (Primorye, Amur), China (Anhui Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Guizhou Sheng, Hainan Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Heilongjiang Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Jilin Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng, Shandong Sheng, Shanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Xizang Zizhiqu, Yunnan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng), Korea, Japan (Hokkaidô, Honshu, Kyushu, Ryukyu Islands, Shikoku), Taiwan TROPICAL ASIA: Vietnam

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Humulus lupulus	Hop, Common hop, European Hop,	Perennial Climber	6.0	5-7	M	LMH	SN	DM	4	5	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Humulus japonicus - Siebold.&Zucc.