We believe this is an invasive tree/shrub called Buckthorn. Alder Buckthorn was sold regularly at nurseries as a garden shrub and hedge. This shrub or small tree reaches heights up to 20 feet. However, it has limited decorative qualities without conspicuous flowers or bold foliage. While it was brought over from Europe with good intentions about 200 years ago, this shrub is enormously invasive. All exotic buckthorns produce a fruit that is eaten by birds and other animals. However, the severe laxative effect of these fruits forces fast distribution of the seeds. These shrubs also aggressively resprout from cut or damaged stems. This shrub is invading Midwestern forests and devastating the native plants and shrubs because of the berry / bird association. Environmentally speaking, it would be proactive to remove these plants entirely and replace them with something that might better attract pollinators or wildlife without leaving a devastating invasion. Here is a list of alternative plants which are more environmentally friendly we suggest you place in your garden – http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/woody/buckthorn/yard.html.
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