Golden Hops Humulus lupulus 'Aureus' (f)

Names

• Synonyms

  Golden Hops, Common Hop, Hop Vine, Hops

• Common names

  Humulus lupulus var. aureus, Humulus lupulus 'Aureus'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Common hop, specifically the Humulus lupulus 'Aureus' variety, is generally not considered toxic to humans. It's most commonly known for its use in beer production. However, there can be rare allergic reactions or skin irritations if there is direct contact with the plant, especially for those working closely with it, such as hop farmers. It's generally not advised for humans to consume parts of the plant raw because it could potentially lead to gastrointestinal discomfort due to the plant's fibrous nature. In most cases, humans do not suffer from severe poisoning from common hop if accidentally ingested in small quantities.

• To pets

  Common hop is toxic to pets, particularly dogs, and should not be ingested by them. If a dog consumes hops, whether raw or spent from brewing, it can result in a potentially life-threatening condition known as malignant hyperthermia. Symptoms of hop poisoning in pets may include panting, high body temperature, seizures, vomiting, and restlessness. Immediate veterinary attention is essential if a pet consumes common hop, as the consequences can be severe and may even lead to death if not treated promptly.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Height

  15 feet [4.57 meters]

• Spread

  6 feet [1.83 meters]

• Plant type

  Climber

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Landscaping: The Golden Hop (Humulus lupulus 'Aureus') is often used for its ornamental value, as it can add a splash of color with its golden-yellow leaves to gardens and landscapes.
• Shade Provider: This climbing plant can cover arbors, trellises, or walls, creating shaded areas which can be beneficial during hot weather.
• Aesthetics: The plant produces cones that add a unique visual appeal, especially when contrasted with its bright foliage.
• Privacy: As a fast-growing vine, Golden Hop can be used to quickly create green screens that offer privacy and reduce noise pollution.
• Habitat for Wildlife: It can attract beneficial insects to the garden, such as butterflies and bees, which are important for pollination.
• Erosion Control: The dense growth habit of the plant can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, particularly on slopes or banks.
• Soil Improvement: By covering the ground, it can help improve soil quality by retaining moisture and suppressing weed growth.

Medical Properties

• Anxiolytic effects: Common hops are used for their sedative and calming properties, which may help alleviate anxiety and improve sleep quality.
• Estrogenic activity: The plant contains phytoestrogens that may have estrogen-like effects in the body, although their clinical significance is still under investigation.
• Antimicrobial properties: Hops have traditionally been used for their antibacterial and antifungal properties, which are attributed to compounds like humulone and lupulone.
• Analgesic effects: They may have pain-relieving properties, which can be beneficial in managing mild pain or discomfort.
• Anti-inflammatory action: Components in hops may help to reduce inflammation, which is beneficial in a variety of inflammatory conditions.
• Digestive health: Hops have been used to promote digestive health and alleviate gastrointestinal issues like dyspepsia or indigestion.
• Preservative qualities: While not a direct medicinal property, the preservative effects of hops have led to their widespread use in the brewing industry, which indirectly impacts human health by inhibiting the growth of spoilage organisms in beer.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Hop bine weaving: The long, flexible bines of the Goldings hop can be woven into decorative items or even hop bine wreaths which are often used in breweries or sold as rustic farmhouse decor.
• Insulation material: Dried bines and leaves from the Goldings hop have been experimentally used as a natural insulation material in green building projects.
• Natural dye: The leaves of the Goldings hop can be used to produce a natural dye for textiles, yielding colors that range depending on the mordant used.
• Garden trellis plants: The vigorous vines of the Goldings hop can be trained to climb up trellises to create natural shade or privacy screens in gardens.
• Livestock feed: Spent hops, a byproduct of the brewing process which still contain parts of the plant, can sometimes be used as a supplement in livestock feed.
• Erosion control: The robust root system of the Goldings hop can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or areas prone to soil degradation.
• Fish composting: In some cultures, hop plants are used in composting with fish waste to create a rich fertilizer for crops.
• Photography props: The Goldings hop's distinct flowers and vines provide an interesting texture and greenery for botanical photography.
• Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried hop flowers can be used in floral arrangements, adding a unique look and subtle aroma.
• Event decoration: The Goldings hop's bines and cones are sometimes incorporated into decorations for events like beer festivals, harvest-themed parties or weddings.

Feng Shui

The Golden Hops is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Golden Hops is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Relaxation: Given that the common name for Humulus lupulus 'Aureus' is Golden Hops, and hops are well-known for their use in brewing beer, which has a relaxing effect on many people, they symbolize relaxation.
• Fertility: Hops have traditionally been associated with fertility and abundance because of their vigorous growth and abundant production when cultivated.
• Healing: Hops have been used in herbal medicine for their supposed sedative properties, thus they can represent healing, especially of sleep disorders and anxiety.
• Sleep and Dreams: Due to the sedative qualities found in hops, they are sometimes used in sleep pillows, symbolizing good sleep and pleasant dreams.