Is this a Hazel?

These very pretty tree seedlings appeared in a pot. They look vaguely like a Hazelnut leaves but not quite- and the nearest similar shrub I know of is over a mile away. There are no other seedlings anywhere else even though there is bare soil and pots near this one.

 

Not sure, I ve never actually grown Hazel but see it often.
Do you get squirrels?

 

I think hazel has more rounded leaves, I have a corkscrew hazel but it's hard to compare that.

 

Thanks everybody!

@pete , no, I haven't seen squirrels around here, the local trees are mainly birches, elder and ornamental so not enough cones I guess. But the fact that only this one pot has seedlings would suggest that it wasn't carried by wind.

The leaves are very slightly hairy and have no scent when crushed. They feel soft and a bit leathery, so not like birch leaves which feel firm and slippery. (Clearly I spend too much time feeling tree leaves )

 

Ok, I'm now thinking Alder

Common Alder trees (alnus glutinosa) Buy Online | tree-shop.co.uk

Although I must admit the stems do look like Birch.

 

There is a birch called a downy birch or white birch which I believe has hairy leaves.

 

Yes, many birches but the leaves don't feel birchy

Alder is a possibility, apparently there are many ornamental varieties so the leaf shape might fit...



I haven't seen any around but will keep an eye now.

 

This is our hazel tree.

G.

 

Image 2 doesn't look like a tree seedling.

 

Mr Google picture search suggests a Grapevine! That would actually be quite likely as the Teenager is in habit of spitting the seeds around thereabouts.

Judging by the photos it's now 50-50 between Alder and Grapevine. I will not be able to sleep until the truth is unearthed.

 

Well, that's what I was thinking, but so many others appeared insistant it was a tree, I simply suggested it wasn't, and didn't suggest other options.

 

When it grows tendrils, let us know