Scientific Name
Humulus lupulus, H. japonicus
Common Name
Hops

SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

Characteristics

Family
Cannabaceae
Plant Description
Perennial, herbaceous, twining vine; leaves mostly opposite, palmately 3-7-veined and -lobed; flowers small, axillary, 5-parted; fruits in an elongated cluster, each small, dry, enclosed in a sac-like, papery bract.
Origin
America and Eurasia.
Distribution
Piedmont, Coastal Plain.
Where Found
Forest or natural area in low alluvial woods; weedy in disturbed areas, naturalized in wet habitats; landscape cultivated in food gardens for "hops."
Mode
Dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
Leaves, flowers, pollen.
Symptoms
Skin irritation with blisters upon contact.
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: Extracts of the fruit bracts of H. lupulus used to flavor beer.
Toxic Principle
Volatile oils and bitter acids.
Severity
SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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