Gabler
Masterpiece
Lately, I've noticed a few of these understory shrubs (see pictures below) in various tracts of forest, growing in silty soil near water. Surrounding trees include predominantly Liquidambar styraciflua, Quercus rubra, Quercus palustris, Pinus virginiana, and Pinus taeda. I've been trying for weeks to find the name of the species, but it's unlike anything in the field guides I've used. Based on the growth habit and fine twig structure, I believe it may be in the Betulaceae family, but it's just a hunch. I'd be grateful if anyone knows what this plant is called.

