This plant is all over my property. Very strange root system. Very Shallow, seems to grow parallel with the ground the come up out of the ground, then continue to grow horizontally underground, then shoot up again. The trunks I've found can be as thick as 2 inches in diameter. they are a pest and would like to get rid of them, they've strangled two rose bushes already.

Looks like Ligustrum sp., I'd guess Ligustrum japonicum, an invasive shrub in the SE U.S..

Don't know your location tcflesch81. Knowing that would help you to get better responses.

It looks like it could be a Ligustrum.

Here in south Georgia the Ligustrum sinense/Chinese privet is invasive.

Ligustrum japonica is beautiful but can also be invasive in some places.

greene said:Don't know your location tcflesch81. Knowing that would help you to get better responses.

It looks like it could be a Ligustrum.

Here in south Georgia the Ligustrum sinense/Chinese privet is invasive.

Ligustrum japonica is beautiful but can also be invasive in some places.

Hi greene! I am located in Central Indiana. I dont know if that changes your assessment or not. Thank you for your reply though! It is much appreciated.

Look up 'cut stump treatment Ligustrum' and see one of the best ways to get rid of this plant.
If you want to go chemical free, uh, better keep you lopping shears sharpened; it might be a time-consuming process.