p.mc writes
"K" wrote in message

It's an ash. Fraxinus excelsior. They have a habit of sending up seedling
in or behind other shrubs, which you don't spot until they appear out of
the top.

Grows into a big tree, so don't plant it out unless you have a *really*
big garden.


Wow!! That's really clever... I have an ancient church inc graveyard at the
end of my garden with various trees inside. Do you think I'll find the
mother tree there?

Possibly. Distinguishing feature of ash is that the buds are black,
particularly in winter when there are no leaves. They go a bit greener
when they're actively growing.

Are the seeds carried on the wind or do birds drop them
from a distant source?

I would guess wind. The seeds are 'ash keys', dry seeds with 'wings',
rather than berries attractive to birds.

I'll try to find a sheltered undisturbed spot to plant it. How long should
it be nursed before planting?

Yours is well big enough to plant out. But remember this is a forest
sized tree and a fast grower and plant accordingly.
--
Kay