Humulus lupulus Pure - Common Hop

'Pure' Humulus lupulus is a particularly vigorous variety of female hop, known for its fast growth. Its large size makes it ideal for amateur gardeners looking to cover a facade or a wire fence. Its green cones, harvested in late summer, can also be used to make soothing herbal teas. This opulent and hardy climber is perennial, regenerating its aerial growth each year and resting underground during winter. 'Pure' hop is a large female variety, selected in Germany, and its cones are used in homeopathy.

Humulus lupulus belongs to the Cannabaceae family, along with hemp and hackberry. It is native to Europe, temperate Asia, and northern Africa, where it thrives in cool and moist locations. It is a perennial herbaceous vine with a large fleshy root that regenerates its aerial growth each year and rests underground during winter. Hops are dioecious plants, meaning there are male and female plants. 'Pure' is an imposing female variety, with cones used in homeopathy.

In spring, 'Pure' hops develop herbaceous and voluble stems that emerge from the slightly suckering stump, quickly entwining any available support. Their growth is very rapid, reaching between 4 and 8 metres (13 and 26 feet) in a season. An adult plant will therefore reach a height of about 8 metres (26 feet) with a spread of 3 metres (10 feet). The stems have a quadrangular section and bear rough leaves, divided into 3 to 5 ovate, pointed, and toothed lobes. The leaves are a medium green colour. The female inflorescences appear in summer, from June to August depending on the climate. These are yellow-green catkins that develop into cones. The ovoid cones are scaly in appearance, green in colour when ripe, and covered in a fragrant and powdery resin called lupulin, which bees appreciate and gives bitterness to beer. They are usually harvested between late August and September.

In ornamental gardens, 'Pure' hops make an excellent complement to a climbing rose or a Virginia creeper, and pair well with a wisteria. A large evergreen honeysuckle such as Lonicera delavayi with its fragrant flowers will form an interesting combination with this magnificent climber, compensating for its absence in winter while flowering alongside its foliage in summer. This hop plant can give new life to an old tree, hide a tired garden shed or an unsightly structure, and enhance a plain facade. The flowers, picked in September, make beautiful dried bouquets.

Female inflorescences, the cones, have been used to flavour beer since the 8th century. Previously, hops were only used to preserve beer. Today (despite modern preservation technologies), this tradition remains for the slight bitterness and flavour that hops bring. The young voluble stems can also be consumed, similar to asparagus.