Quote:
Originally Posted by freeztar
I can say for sure, that is not hops.
In the spirit of science, I will guide you this time rather than flat out answer. 
This species is in the Betulaceae family and is an obligate (OBL) wetland species. It's also listed as Endangered in Illinois apparently.
This is a good species to know as once you identify one, you can easily identify others of the species. There seem to be five species in your area of the genus to which I refer.
This may help you also as it has a big list of most of the plants found in the US with wetland indicator status.
1996 National List of Vascular Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands page
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Pointing Is Good! Plants are a weak spot for me. I think I got it. Speckled Alder. Good Page here:
Speckled Alder, Alnus incana
Interesting quote:
"The presence of nitrogen-fixing, symbiotic bacteria in its root nodules makes speckled alder valuable for soil conditioning."
Sounds like an excellent conditioning plant for wetter lowlands hit hard with fertilizer runoff. Or around golf courses
