What Is This Plant And Is It Dead

Question

Planted this last year can’t remember what it’s called wondering if it’s dead

• 

Answer 1

It's too difficult to tell from the photo, but if you watch for tiny sprouting leaves on those shoots, you may be surprised as the weather warms up.
Also, gently scratch a little of the bark off of one of these and see if it's green, or dry and brown underneath - that will tell you a lot. Or, if these are just shoots off the main plant and are dead, you should cut them back to let the plant use its energy for new growth.
As to what the plant is - I'm sorry, I just can't tell from the photo. Oregon State University has an amazing site that might help you track it down:
https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/