Family - Moraceae

Stems - No info yet.

Leaves - No info yet.

Inflorescence - No info yet.

Flowers - No info yet.

Flowering - July - August.

Habitat - Open fertile ground, waste ground.

Origin - Native to U.S., Canada, Asia, and Europe.

Other info. - This species can be found throughout much of Missouri but is not as common in the southeast corner of the state. The plant can be identified by its twining stems, 3-lobed leaves, and popular fruits. The fruits of this species of the common "hops" of the brewing industry. Before the age of yeast, hops were also used for breadmaking.
Another species, H. japonicus Sieb. & Zucc., is very similar but has 5-lobed leaves. This latter species is far less common in Missouri and is considered a noxious weed.
Both of these hops species are dioecious and the plant pictured above is a pistillate plant. I'll shoot a staminate plant as soon as possible.

Photographs taken at Lincoln Boyhood Memorial Park, IN., 8-4-06.