That looks a lot like my Brandywine viburnum(Viburnum nudum). The browning could be from lack of water. It looks like a young plant, not fully established, so removing the grass/weeds around it and mulching would probably be helpful.

It might show as present in this area - BUT I’ve never seen it around here and it has never been in the nearby ‘forest’ wild area where DH goes birding a lot, especially in migration seasons. But if it’s here now, I’ve go to deal with it - and I’m not sure how to separate it out of the mass of other, desirable clematises there.... We will be cutting them all down this week to try to at least keep it from seeding around. Any other suggestions?

Randi Since of my location/growing zone, my plants have to be inside for a long time. And I am just lucky that I have garden so I can put them outdoors for Summer. Many ppl live in apartments and may not have even a small balcony, and still grow very nice and healthy plants indoors. To prevent lots of etiolation, I use supplemental lights. And I believe that keeping them relatively cool (not freezing) and dry helps to slow down growth during short winter days. Many do not water succulents for extended periods of time, like 2 mo or even longer. But if they are kept warm, they likely keep growing more and need lots of light. Many are dormant during cold months anyways. I do not know how cold is winter in your location, but perhaps plants can overwinter in unheated GH or sunroom?

I would hazard a guess that it is a native Veronica species. Perhaps this one: Maryland Biodiversity Project - Common Speedwell (Veronica officinalis) Veronicas can be very pretty and providing it isn't conflicting with other plants in your yard I would personally leave it alone. I think yours has flower buds so you'll be able to see pretty soon if the id is close. Even if the id is wrong it seems to be an attractive ground cover.