Golden Hops Humulus lupulus 'Golden Tassels' (f)
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Golden Tassels' is a cultivar of hops, well-regarded for its ornamental value. It is characterized predominantly by its striking foliage which is a luminous shade of yellow, providing a bright, effervescent quality to gardens. This golden hue is especially vivid in the newer growth and can add a pop of color against the green backdrop of a typical garden setting. The plant produces distinctive hop cones that are used in brewing beer, but in the case of 'Golden Tassels', these are often secondary to the visual allure of the leaves. The cones themselves are light green and contrast beautifully with the yellow leaves, cascading down in an attractive manner that resembles tassels, as the name suggests. In addition to its leaves and cones, 'Golden Tassels' displays a structure that includes robust, climbing vines. These vines are eager climbers, often requiring support to ascend and can create a lush, draping effect over trellises, arbors, or fences. This climbing habit lends a dynamic vertical element to any space, allowing for the dramatic display of its golden foliage at different levels within a garden design. Lastly, the plant has an aromatic quality; the cones, in particular, carry the distinct hop aroma that is often associated with the brewing process. This scent is not overpowering but adds another layer of sensory appeal to the plant's profile. 'Golden Tassels' is a suitable choice for gardeners looking to add a lively splash of color and texture to their outdoor spaces, combined with the easy growth and care typical of hop plants.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Common Hop, Hop, Hops
Common names
Humulus lupulus 'Golden Tassels'
ToxicityTo humans
Hop plant is generally not considered toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant beyond the hops used in flavoring food and beverages is uncommon, and there is limited information on any ill effects. However, like with any plant material, consumption in large quantities or by particularly sensitive individuals may result in gastrointestinal discomfort or other mild symptoms.
To pets
Hop plant can be toxic to pets, especially dogs. If a dog ingests hops, symptoms of poisoning can include hyperthermia, restlessness, panting, vomiting, abdominal pain, and seizures. In severe cases, hop toxicity in pets can lead to complications such as kidney damage or even death, so it's important to seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect hop ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife 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
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Hop 'Golden Tassels' offers unique decorative appeal with its cascading, golden-yellow foliage, enhancing the aesthetics of gardens and landscapes.
- Shade Provider: Its climbing habit and dense foliage allow it to cover structures, providing natural shade and cooler environments beneath.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The plant can serve as a habitat and food source for beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife.
- Privacy Screen: With its fast growth and thick foliage, Hop 'Golden Tassels' can be used as a living screen for privacy, blocking unwanted views.
- Soil Erosion Control: Its root system helps stabilize soil, reducing erosion on slopes and in areas prone to soil displacement.
- Novelty Harvest: Although this cultivar is primarily ornamental, the hop cones produced can sometimes be used for home brewing, providing a novel ingredient for craft brewers.
Medical Properties- Sedative: Commonly used to help reduce anxiety and to promote calmness.
- Sleep Aid: Utilized for its potential benefits in improving sleep quality or helping with insomnia.
- Anti-inflammatory: Contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Antibacterial: Possesses antibacterial properties that might be useful in preventing or treating infections.
- Estrogenic Effects: Contains phytoestrogens, plant-derived compounds similar to human estrogen, that may affect hormone balance.
- Analgesic: May have pain-relieving properties.
- Antispasmodic: Could be helpful in relieving muscle spasms or cramps.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The 'Golden Tassels' variety of hops can produce a yellowish dye that can be used for coloring fabrics and yarns.
- In sleep pillows: Dried hops have been traditionally used in sleep pillows for their mild sedative properties, helping to promote a restful sleep.
- Culinary uses: Young hops shoots can be eaten as a spring vegetable, and they are sometimes referred to as "poor man's asparagus."
- Homebrewing: Hops are well-known for their use in brewing beer, where they provide bitterness, flavor, and stability to the beverage.
- Crafting: Dried hops vines can be made into decorative wreaths or garlands for rustic interior decor or events like weddings.
- Insect repellent: Hops contain compounds that are unattractive to certain insects, and thus they can be used in creating natural insect-repellent sachets.
- Fodder for animals: In some cases, hops have been used as fodder for livestock, although care must be taken due to potential toxicity in large amounts.
- Companion planting: Hops can be planted near other crops to provide shade and support, creating a beneficial microclimate for sensitive plants.
- Garden feature: Because of its vigorous climbing habit and attractive foliage, hops can be used to cover unsightly structures or create natural green screens in gardens.
- Composting: Spent hops from brewing processes can be composted and added to garden soil to improve its structure and nutrient content.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe common hop is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe common hop is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Relaxation: The plant, commonly known as "Hops," is well-known for its use in brewing beer, which has calming and sedative properties. As such, hops symbolize relaxation and the ability to unwind.
- Healing: Hops have been used in herbal medicine to treat various ailments, including anxiety and insomnia, representing the plant's association with healing and comfort.
- Fertility: In traditional folklore, hops have been connected to fertility, possibly due to their robust and fast-growing nature.
- Sleep and Dreams: With their sedative qualities, hops are often used in sleep pillows, symbolizing good sleep and pleasant dreams.
WaterThe female plant of Humulus lupulus commonly known as Hop plant, including the 'Golden Tassels' cultivar, prefers consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water this hop plant deeply once a week, providing about 2 gallons per plant to ensure that water reaches the deep roots. Depending on weather conditions, such as heat and wind, you may need to increase watering to twice a week. Always check the soil moisture level before watering; the soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering frequency as the plant approaches dormancy in the fall.
LightHops, including the 'Golden Tassels', thrive in full sun conditions, requiring a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal location for planting hops is an open area with unobstructed exposure to sunlight, away from shade-casting trees or buildings. Ensure that the chosen site can accommodate the plant's vigorous climbing habit, providing support such as a trellis or fence for optimal growth and sunlight absorption.
TemperatureThe hop plant, 'Golden Tassels', is hardy and grows best in a temperature range between 40°F and 70°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F once established, but growth will be dormant. The ideal growing conditions occur when daytime temperatures are moderate and consistent. Protect the plant from extreme heat, as temperatures above 80°F can stress it and affect growth.
PruningHops, such as 'Golden Tassels', should be pruned to improve air circulation, reduce disease risk, and concentrate growth into the strongest bines. Prune the plant in early spring to remove dead and damaged material, and again after the plant has established several bines, select 3 to 5 of the strongest to keep and remove the rest. Cut back the bines after harvesting hops in the fall to prepare the plant for dormancy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGolden hops thrive in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A good soil mix can be prepared using equal parts of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand to improve drainage. It's essential to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged to promote healthy growth.
RepottingGolden hops should be repotted every one to two years to accommodate their rapid growth. Fresh soil should be provided to replace any that has become compacted or depleted of nutrients. Care should be taken not to damage the root system during repotting, as golden hops can be quite vigorous.
Humidity & MistingGolden hops prefer a moderate humidity level, similar to that found in their natural habitat. Aim to maintain a humidity level of 40-60% around the plant. Excessive humidity can lead to fungal diseases, so ensure good air circulation to avoid overly damp conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and space to climb, keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot, offer support for climbing, keep moist.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycle'Golden Tassels' hops (Humulus lupulus 'Golden Tassels') begins life as a perennial rhizome that emerges in early spring. New shoots rapidly develop into climbing bines that can grow up to 20-25 feet in a single season, requiring support structures to optimize sunlight exposure and air circulation. By mid-summer, the plant displays its characteristic golden-yellow, foliage-rich vines, while female plants produce cone-like flowers called strobili, which are valued for brewing. Following pollination, these flowers mature into seed cones (if male plants are present) or seedless cones (if only female plants). As autumn approaches, the foliage dies back and the plant enters dormancy, relying on the energy stored in its rhizome to survive winter. With the return of favorable conditions in the following spring, the cycle restarts, with the dormant rhizome sprouting new bines to begin the process anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The Humulus lupulus 'Golden Tassels', commonly known as the female Golden Hops plant, is typically propagated during its dormancy in late winter to very early spring. The most popular method for propagating Golden Hops is via rhizome cuttings. To do this, a section of the rhizome, which is a horizontal underground stem that often sends out roots and shoots from its nodes, is dug up and cut into pieces, each with at least one bud. The cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long. This section is then planted horizontally, around 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) deep in well-draining soil with the bud facing upwards. After planting, it should be kept at a consistent moisture level until new growth indicates that the rhizome has successfully established itself.
