Humulus lupulus

A perennial vine which, in the wild, grows over bushes, hedges and trees. If cultivated in a garden, it makes a good screen if it has proper support, such as a fence or trellis. Hops need plenty of sun and a rich soil to thrive.

The hop produces yellowish-green female "cones" which contains flowers and embryonic fruits. When dried, these are the parts of the plant that have been used to flavor beer since the Middle Ages. The young shoots and immature leaves can be added to vegetable soups or cooked on their own and tossed in butter.

Uses: Hop leaves and flowers can be used to produce a natural brown dye.

Medicinal: Hops have a slightly sedative effect and are used to treat insomnia. An infusion of dried hops drunk at bedtime will encourage a good night´s sleep. The dried flowers can be added to ordinary tea to stimulate the appetite. hop juice was once drunk to cleanse the blood.

Legends: Henry VII ruled that hops should not be added to beer as they were believed to be "wicked weeds that would spoil the taste of the drink and endager the people".