Humulus lupulus L.

Locations ofHumulus lupulus L. in Virginia

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Detail

Family
Cannabaceae
Botanical Name
Humulus lupulus L.
Common Name
Common Hops
Synonym(s)
Humulus lupulus L. var. lupulus; Humulus lupulus L. var. lupuloides E.Small; Humulus lupulus L. var. pubescens E. Small; Humulus americanus Nutt.; Humulus pubescens (E. Small) Tembrock
Flora of Virginia Name/Status
Humulus lupulus L.
Comments
Following FNA, three intergrading varieties (treated as species by Flora of the Southeastern U.S.) may be recognized based on density of hairs and glands on lower leaf surfaces; the differences are subtle, and sometimes obscured by introgression. Least pubescent is var. lupulus, the introduced European hops. The native var. pubescens E. Small (E. pubescens [E. Small] Tembr.) has the midrib densely pubescent with hairs also between the veins. Var. lupuloides E. Small (H. americanus Nutt.), also native, has pubescence intermediate between the other vars. and appears to be the most frequent representative of the species in Virginia. These segregates are not mapped because Virginia specimens have usually been identified only as "Humulus lupulus," sensu lato. Existing keys to this complex are often an exercise in futility. If someone was willing and able to take on a study of herbarium material, we might be able to map segregates, better assess whether they should be recognized as vars. or species, and perhaps identify additional, differential morphological characters (perhaps involving the distinctive fruiting structures?). Until then, we will have to stay with the current broad species map.
Habitat
The species is typically found in disturbed habitats, particularly in alluvial soils; also in fencerows, railroad rights-of-way, and roadside thickets. Infrequent in the mountains and Piedmont; rare in the Coastal Plain.
Native Status
Not Specified

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