Japanese Hop

original: 葎草 (Lücao); scientifically identified as Humulus scandens

This page features a prominent woodcut illustration of the Japanese Hop plant. It is depicted as a vigorous climbing vine with palmate leaves—meaning the lobes spread out like the fingers of a hand—and serrated edges. The stem is shown with small prickles, a characteristic feature of this species which allows it to cling to surfaces and other plants.