Compare to box elder/Acer negundo.

Not like any M. trifoliate that I have seen. Very interesting.

Poison Oak?

Looks deciduous. Alternate arrangement of branches and leaves doesn't fit maple - otherwise leaves are quite maple-like. Closest leaves I have seen are in one picture of Rhus trilobata, otherwise the glossiness is like that of poison oak. Structure of growth tips may point to where its affinity lies.

Hmmm. Didn’t look alternate to me initially. I am still not sure that it is alternate since the branching in both photos could be opposite but a funny camera angle makes it look a bit off or could be really closely spaced alternate. I just can’t tell.

Hmm, well there is actually a lot of Rhus trilobata (Skunkbush) around here, but they all have the typical, rounded leaves without any pointy tips. Not to mention, their leaflets are all maybe only around ~3/4" long or so...

And I definitely also considered Poison Ivy, and have found a similar specimen about 10 miles from here:

As far as Acer negundo (Boxelder Maple), that seems plausible...although this short, bushy form would also be very atypical. And these leaves also look too thick for this, as well.

Well, here's a zoomable pic of the original to see more detail...if that helps?

As stated previously, not Acer, as those all have opposite leaves. This plant has alternate.

This one still oddly remains a bit of a mystery... Now, these specimens were all growing in chalky, limestone hills. I wonder if that could possibly be what happens to Poison Ivy (or Oak) in that kind of soil?

Or is it just something else entirely??

Rhus trilobata is also considered Rhus aromatica var. trilobata by some. This looks like another variation of Rhus aromatica with pointed leaves, maybe Rhus arenaria? There are a few more varieties. I could be wrong.

Toxicodendron pubescens, Poison Oak, looks closer than Rhus aromatica. There is a way to find out.😏

Rub a few leaves on tender parts of your skin, and if you get a terrible rash that itches like crazy, then it's Poison Oak. I'm only familiar with Poison ivy and didn't know Poison Oak was more of a shrub and not a vine.

touch it and see what bhappens?