Common hop

Hops are herbaceous perennial climbers that die back to the ground each winter and put on astonishing growth each spring — up to 6 metres in a season. A newly planted rhizome often produces a light crop of cones in its very first year. By year three the root system is fully established and yields increase substantially. Female plants produce the cones used in brewing; you only need a male if you want seeds. They are vigorous and easy once established, though watch out for aphids and downy mildew in damp summers.