What is this "tree"?

[EmpressTomatoKetchup]

I inherited lots a pots with various plants in them from the previous owner of my house I bought three years ago, I've replaced most of the plants in these pots with herbs. This was in the biggest, shiniest pot in the garden so have assumed it was something spectacular. Hmm, so far it's just produced these leaves, it just stands there like a big stick in a pot during the winter. What the hell is it?

possibly a wisteria?

is it producing any long, questing shoots that look as they are trying to find something to cling onto?

Traviata nope, no shoots. Just these stubby little offshoots with these leaves.

The tree has a jasmine growing over it mainly to disguise it it's about 10 foot tall, straight up and down with no freak branches, it just has these nubby bits where the leaves sprout from.

Another pic

Could it be a lilac?

My first thought was cherry. Or hazel. Leaves look a bit smooth edged though.

No flowers. No fruit.

More pics.

Can you take a photo from further back to show the whole thing?

It's covered in jasmine. I don't really want to cut it out as its about the flower .

Could it be an Ash? www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/native-trees/ash/

I think it's a walnut.

I think it's a walnut too.

Yes, pic 1 and pics 2/3 look different!

I don't think its a walnut. The leaves are too short. Am not sure the trunk looks too much like an ash but the leaves look more ash like. I think the buds look black too?

Am intrigued!

the leaves are more Ash than walnut, it has the black buds like an Ash. I think it's definetly an Ash.

I'm guessing Ash trees don't do too well in pots? I have a tiny garden so can't plant it out

Tree surgeon husband confirms that it is an ash.

Ooh, was just about to say ash. They're like weeds but apparently also about to make it onto the endangered list bcse of ash dieback.

Ash grows like a weed. Will sprout when cut right down to the ground. Until you get ash die back . I wouldn't have one in a small garden.

Also, roots go down to water level. Don't have it near your house.