S. fragilis, S. alba and S. purpurea have glands (little bumps) at the base of the leaf blade. I can't see any of that, but perhaps you will with the original photo? S. purpurea has opposite or near opposite leaf arrangement, so not that.
It could be amygdaloides, but it's difficult to pin down with limited info.
When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the losers. - Socrates
More importantly, Amsonia are herbaceous and would never have overwintering stem buds. In fact, since they don't branch above ground (except to flower), they never even have visible stem buds!
Good to think outside the box, though.
When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the losers. - Socrates
