Tree ID: Rhamnus (Buckthorn) [solved]

So, my googling tree id errand gave varying and dissatisfactory results. Hackberry looked sorta ok.

Using my "Botany in a day", it seems the tree I'm ID'ing fits closest with something in the prunus genus. I'm not terribly concerned with species specificity.

Current theory, prunus something.

The leaves alternate (though sometimes are close), have branched veins, and have a curved serrated edge. The fruits are smooth on the bottom (no leftover sepals).

It's a suburban backyard in Denver, so though its cool and dry, it's less so in the city than in the country or the mountains.

Any help would be appreciated. I'm trying to learn, so I'd also appreciate hearing about any tell-tales you used to reach your conclusion.

Thanks in advance!

My limited educated guess leads me to Aronia Berry.

can we get a better shot of a twig with leaf stems? looks like leaves are opposite, which wouldn’t be prunus.

what’s the inside of a fruit look like? how many seeds?

Thanks, guys. Good call to check the fruit and seeds. Fruit is watery, and i think has four seeds

Also a pic of the confusing leaves, alternate, except when they're not. On further observation, more leaves look opposite than alternate.

So, as you say, not prunus.

not aronia  either, they’re not that juicy, more substantial.

Definitely not aronia

Pretty sure it's buckthorn

maybe buckthorn?

Looking at different pictures of buckthorns, I tend to agree.

Thanks, guys. I appreciate y'all's help.