Can you post an in focus close up of a twig showing buds? But, whatever it is, it seems to have a terrible infestation of scale. I imagine you know that the Lamium you spotted in the background is the weed, L purpureum?

possibly a sweetgum?

Wait 'till it leafs out to ID.

Thanks everyone! My niece hasn’t replied further, so no more pics or info. She may have already ripped it out by now because it looks to be in such poor condition. So it may be an ex-sweetgum. :)

Looks like a Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) to me, as well.