Humulus lupulus
European hop, European Hop
(c) J Straka, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Cannabaceae · Type: Vine · Not Native
Humulus lupulus (European hop) is a non-native California vine in the Cannabaceae family, recognized by Cultivated species occasionally naturalizing; only climbing member of Cannabaceae in California.
European hop is a naturalized perennial herb found in northern California regions including the Cascade Range, northern and central Sierra Nevada, southern California coast, Transverse Ranges, and Santa Barbara Islands at elevations below 3,000 meters. Flowering from April to August, this plant produces small pale green flowers in distinctive hop-like clusters. Growing with climbing or trailing stems that can reach several meters in length, it develops a sprawling, vine-like habit. Its leaves are generally three to five-lobed with heart-shaped blades and coarse serrated edges, creating a distinctive textured appearance. In disturbed places and areas of previous cultivation, European hop persists as a naturalized species with remarkable adaptability.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Cultivated species occasionally naturalizing; only climbing member of Cannabaceae in California
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Disturbed places, persisting from cultivation
Elevation: < 3000 m
California counties: Inyo, Los Angeles, Ventura, Shasta, Monterey, San Bernardino, Sacramento, Alpine, Nevada, Siskiyou, Fresno, Sonoma, El Dorado, Stanislaus, San Luis Obispo, Mendocino, Placer
Outside California: native to Eurasia
Bloom period
Humulus lupulus blooms Apr-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Vitis: Humulus climbs by twining stems; Vitis climbs with curly tendrils opposite the leaves.; vs Celtis: Humulus is a twining vine; Celtis is an upright woody tree with unlobed leaves.; vs Cannabis: Humulus has lobed leaves still connected at base; Cannabis has leaflets completely separated into fingers.; vs Smilax: Humulus twines with stems; Smilax climbs using paired curly tendrils at leaf base.; vs Viola: Humulus is a climbing vine with lobed leaves; Viola is low herb with heart-shaped leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Humulus lupulus native to California?
No. Humulus lupulus is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Humulus lupulus bloom?
Humulus lupulus blooms Apr-Aug.
Where in California does Humulus lupulus grow?
Humulus lupulus occurs in Inyo, Los Angeles, Ventura, Shasta, Monterey, San Bernardino, Sacramento, Alpine and other counties, at elevations of < 3000 m.
What plant family does Humulus lupulus belong to?
Humulus lupulus is in the Cannabaceae family, genus Humulus.
What habitat does Humulus lupulus grow in?
Humulus lupulus grows in Uncommon. Disturbed places, persisting from cultivation.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.