Family - Cucurbitaceae

Stems - No info. yet.

Leaves - No info. yet.

Inflorescence - No info. yet.

Flowers - No info. yet.

Staminate flower close-up.

Pistillate flowers.

Fruits.

Flowering - July - October.

Habitat - Low woods, bottoms, base of bluffs, fields, thickets, railroads.

Origin - Native to U.S.

Other info. - This annual vine can be found throughout most of Missouri but is apparently absent from the north-central portion of the state. This is an easy species to ID because of its big leaves, clusters of pistillate flowers, and spiny clusters of fruits. The fruits can and will penetrate the skin so be careful if handling the plant. The leaves of Sicyos look like those of many other species in the same family.

Photographs taken along the shores of the Current River, Shannon County, MO., 9-5-03 and 9-20-03.