There is a native plant called the "Hop Bush" I believe that portions of it were used to bitter colonial beers when hops were not available. Apparently the seed capsules are very similar in appearance to normal hop flowers and are mostly what people mention... but I also have seen reference to the fact that the leaves are very bitter and can also be used as a substitute bittering agent in beer making.
Some stuff trolled from the www
Hop Bush (Dodonaea viscosa)
Hop Bush is an interesting plant insofar as it appears to turn red or brown during the spring. There are several forms available from local native plant nurseries; subspecies spatulata is the variety found in local bushland (near Echuca). Hop Bush grows about two metres high and a metre wide. It is important to water the plant occasionally during dry spells.Having said that, this shrub is common around Bourke and Cobar but not popular with graziers because it is not palatable to stock.
Native - Wedge-leaf Hop bush
Scientific Name:
Dodonaea viscosa ssp. cuneata
Small, papery winged fruits are characteristic of this beautiful shrub. They turn from green to a colourful red and purple and are a lovely contrast to their sticky green leaves, which are wedge shaped and taper to a point. The common name “Hop bush” is used because the fruits resemble those used for brewing, though their only use in that regard has been by the early settlers as a substitute for hops. Before this time they were used in the area of Queensland by Aboriginals for medicinal uses. This included using the juice of the root for toothache and cuts and on stonefish and stingray stings. This species is distributed along eastern Australia in inland areas in mallee scrub in semi-arid areas and open forest. On the Cumberland Plain this species is common on clay soils in open forests. To grow this beautiful shrub you will need to grow them in either full sun or part shade in light, well-drained soil. This species is very hardy, requiring minimal pruning. It will grow between one and three metres either in a compact or spreading growth form, flowering in spring. Propagation is influenced by the fact that this species has male and female flowers are on separate plants. You will need both male and female plants to sow from seed. Alternately you can
take cuttings in spring and summer. Take care though, if you want to have a plant with the beautiful fruits you will need to cut from a female plant and ensure that you have a male plant close by.
Wedge-leaf Hop Bush (Dodonaea viscosa) - Papery red seed capsules were used by European settlers as "hops" in beer making. Wurundjeri people chewed the leaves to relieve tooth-ache, and bound them on their skin to treat stingray wounds.
Lots of information
HERE including the fact that the flowers can e used to brew a "tangy, bitter but drinkable beer"
Maybe helpful... maybe not. I say if its for dry hopping then have a smell, have a taste and if your nose tells you its gonna work (and if you are sure it isn't going to kill you or make you sick) try a few out in different small containers.
Why the hell not??
TB
