Humulus japonicus

Humulus japonicus (Japanese hop, synonym H. scandens) is an ornamental plant in the Cannabaceae family. Originally found in temperate parts of Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Russia) and the tropical environment of Vietnam, Humulus japonicus was imported to the North America in the 1800s for use in an Asian tonic and as an ornamental plant. Since its arrival in North America, Japanese hop has been very successful in spreading in North America. It has a wide distribution and can be found throughout the Northeastern U.S. and eastern Canada. It is considered an invasive species in North America. The composition and chemistry of the oils found in Humulus japonicus differs from its relative the common hop, Humulus lupulus. As a result, the Japanese hop is not used in the production of beer.