Native Hops
Dodonaea viscosafam. Sapindaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. BA9C — Dodonaea viscosa
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IOverview
Overview
Native Hops (Dodonaea viscosa) is a hardy shrub or small tree found across a wide range of habitats from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe and beyond. Known for its edible seeds, this plant thrives in full sun with a preference for dry to moist conditions and light sandy soil. Native Hops can grow up to 3 meters tall and is adaptable to various pH levels between 6.5 and 9.2. Its native range includes regions such as Afghanistan, Aldabra, Angola, Argentina, and Arizona, making it a versatile plant in diverse environments.
Quick answers
What is Native Hops?
Native Hops (Dodonaea viscosa) is a hardy shrub or small tree found across a wide range of habitats from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe and beyond. Known for its edible seeds, this plant thrives in full sun with a preference for dry to moist conditions and light sandy soil.
What is Native Hops used for?
Traditionally used for stress & anxiety, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Native Hops
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Native Hops appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
- Native Hops have been traditionally used in some indigenous practices for immune support, often prepared as a decoction. The plant's potential to enhance the body’s defense mechanisms is noted.
The mechanism of action is not fully characterized but may involve the modulation of immune cells or cytokine production.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Native Hops support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Native Hops thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining light (sandy) soil with a pH between 6.5 and 9.2. It is hardy in zones 9-11 and can grow up to 3 meters tall as either a tree or shrub. This plant requires dry to moist conditions, making it adaptable to various environments. Propagate via seed for new growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy)
Hardiness
9-11
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
3.0 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–9.2
For first-time growers
How to grow Native Hops for the first time
7steps
Start with Native Hops by planting in a sunny spot and providing well-draining soil.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small plants, potting mix, container if needed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant seeds in spring after the last frost or transplant young plants in early summer.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 9.2, ensuring good drainage if using containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in the ground or plant young seedlings at a spacing of about 3 feet apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, and protect from strong winds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and regular watering during dry periods. Prune in late winter or early spring for shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to maintain size and shape, cutting back old growth in late winter or early spring.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Condiment
Other uses:HedgerowTanninLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Asia3 regions
native (3)AfghanistanBangladeshIndia
Americas3 regions
native (3)BahamasBelizeBolivia
Africa6 regions
native (6)AngolaBeninBotswanaBurundiCabo VerdeCameroon
Broader regions
native:Aldabra, Andaman Is., Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Arizona, Bermuda, Borneo, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil West-Central, California, Cape Provinces, Caroline Is., Cayman Is., Central African Repu, Chatham Is., Chile Central
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Sapindaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
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