Tree..shrub?

[Drewtree]

Bout 6 feet tall, in a large thicket of thousands of individuals.. Niagara region southern Ontario.

Thought it was speckled alder, buds don't match.. Thought it was prunus virginiana, but again.. The buds.

 

[TreeCo]

Not saying it is but I've seen sweet gum grow that thick and look like what you have there.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquidambar

 

[Treezybreez]

The buds look similar to Asmina triloba flowering buds. They are thicket forming shrubs as well.

 

[Treezybreez]

Please let us know if you end up finding out what it is.

 

[Drewtree]

Still no luck.. the search continues.

 

[Drewtree]

AHAH! Finally !! Lindera Benzoin! Northern Spicebush!

 

[Treezybreez]

I think you got it. Never seen it before.