Andy idea what this is?

[user1471530109]

A self seeded...something? Plant ID app says a willow of some description, but there are no willows in neighbouring gardens. 'Stem' is very strong. I'm not sure it's possible to tell when the leaves haven't opened yet but thought I'd ask the experts .

Depending on what is it, I'd quite like to transplant it somewhere else as it's very close to the house!

Thanks

At first glance it looks like a hydrangea. Any chance you stuck in a branch? They are quick to take root.

I thought it looked like a hydrangea too. But the one I have growing up the house (about 4 meters away) has its leaves fully open now.
I'd be happy with another and happy for it to keep its spot if that's what it is.

Thank you! I will leave it a bit longer and see.

It’s definitely not a hydrangea - they have their leaf buds in opposite pairs, not alternately like this.

The slightly hairy silvery leaves look OK for willow, but one would expect a pliable stem.

Argh!

Thank you @MereDintofPandiculation. I would say it is definitely pliable, but I was surprised at how strong it was iyswim. It didn't feel like a weak seedling.

Definitely can't have a tree in this position. It's less than 30cm from the house. I'm quite tempted to try and move it though and see what it is. I love trees and my all time favourites are willows.

Will I be able to identify the type once the leaves are open? I still surprised by a willow though. There is a great big weeping willow half way down the street. But not really anywhere near my garden

Not a weeping willow because if I remember rightly that haslong narrow leaves whereas your seems to be developing round leaves.

Is it Salix caprea? I had one arrive from nowhere.

@TalesOfDrunkennessAndCruelty

Is it Salix caprea? I had one arrive from nowhere.

I think mine arrived in compost. If so, fingers crossed that it's a male - it's the male flowers which are the "pussies".

I've tried digging it up and I am struggling! It's too close to the house to use a spade to lever the paving stone up. I've dug all around the sapling and it is stuck fast.

Any ideas for a weak pathetic amateur? I've got the pot for it all ready to go . I wasn't expecting not to be able to dig it up!

Done! Sat in a pot with lots of compost. I've noticed the leaves are hairy underneath-a silvery hair. Does that still sound like a willow?

@user1471530109

Done! Sat in a pot with lots of compost. I've noticed the leaves are hairy underneath-a silvery hair. Does that still sound like a willow?

Very much so