Tree identification please

[irwi1108]

This young tree grows next to my boundary on my neighbour’s side of the fence. Location is SW London.

 

It has grown approximately two feet per month this summer and I am concerned it is either an aggressive weed/shrub or that we will eventually have a tall, mature tree next to my house.

 

Given the alternate leaf pattern I was initially concerned it might be a knotweed variety but the bamboo like trunk and branches are not hollow and (as you can see from the pictures) the shoots do not have the characteristic zig-zag pattern or red colouring.

 

Any advice gratefully received.

[crobinson]

At a quick glance it looks like Buckthorn to me - Deciduous shrub which will grow with vigour, will re-grow when cut back.

[Andrew Gale]

Looks like goat willow from the photo's and the 2ft a month would definitely fit with the species vigour

[crobinson]

Looks like goat willow from the photo's and the 2ft a month would definitely fit with the species vigour

 

Did it have yellow flowers in the spring?

[irwi1108]

I don't recall seeing any but it was much less noticeable (barely above height of fence) in spring.

[woodyguy]

Goat willow, self seed and don't make huge trees but grow very fast as sapling.

[armybloke]

Goat Willow Salix caprea

[GrahamW]

Definitely Goat Willow.

[Kveldssanger]

It is indeed a goat willow - I tend to identify these trees by the buds; they're very much pressed to the stem even in summer. Compiled with the leaves being rather wide (with a small hook to the side at the tip) and the diamond-shaped incisions on the bark, it can be quite a simple tree to identify once you know its traits.