Humulus japonicus, commonly known as Japanese hops, is a fast-growing, herbaceous perennial vine native to the temperate regions of East Asia, including China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. It thrives in a variety of habitats, such as riverbanks, forest edges, and disturbed sites. In its native range, it is often found climbing over other vegetation, reaching lengths of up to 35 feet (10 meters). Japanese hops feature palmately lobed leaves and produce inconspicuous greenish flowers in the summer, which are followed by small, dry, cone-like fruits.

Japanese hops are valued for their rapid growth and ability to cover structures quickly, making them useful for creating green screens or shading areas in a short period. They are also used for soil stabilization on slopes. However, due to their invasive nature in North America, where they outcompete native vegetation and alter ecosystems, their use is discouraged outside their native range. In cultivation, Japanese hops prefer full sun to partial shade, moist but well-drained soils, and they can tolerate a range of soil types. They require regular pruning to control growth and prevent unwanted spreading.CC BY-SA 4.0