The specific name, lupulus , is derived from the Latin word lupus meaning wolf. Pliny states the twining effect of plant growth is similar to the embrace a wolf has on a sheep, The term hop comes from the Anglo-Saxon word hoppen , which means to climb. In England, they were not used in the composition of beer until nearly two centuries afterwards. The beverage went by the name of Ale and was brewed either from malt alone, or from a mixture of a variety of constituents including hops. Rhizomes look like root cuttings but are stems and have buds growing from them that will become new vines.
Rhizomes also contain stored nutrients to support initial growth.
Hops vines spiral up and intertwine or will climb up another type of support. Depending on the latitude, location, and variety, they sprout from March or April and grow through the summer and early fall. A single plant can easily grow 40 feet tall when it is mature, but growth in the first year is usually much less. In most instances by the second or third year the plants will exhibit full growth. Height is very closely liked to the amount of sunshine the plant gets.