Mystery Leaf
 

Does anyone recognize this leaf?

I bought this bare-root plant from Costco a couple of years ago. The first year the lawn guys weed wacked it all year. I got new lawn guys this year, and it has finally been allowed to grow.

It is supposed to be a lilac bush, but I haven't seen a lilac with this kind of leaf before. The largest leaf is about 4" x 6," and it is crinkly.

exactly crinkly was my thought too. someone will pop in with the answer soon I'm sure.

Lilacs typically grow rather slowly and even if grafted onto root stock, it is generally a smoother leaved plant.

I tried a google image search and it suggested kratom -- while appearances are similar I very seriously doubt costco would be selling or that it would survive winter!

I'm wondering if whatever it is, it was mislabeled, or perhaps an opportunistic plant managed to get safely into growable and protected soil. Do you have any alder species near you? Or perhaps beech?? The leaves seem darker green than alder and more textured, I don't have experience with beech trees but some of the leaf pictures were close.

I’m sure that this plant is the bare-root plant that came out of the package from Costco. I don’t think it is a lilac.

crinkled with smooth edges. so far can't find a photo to match.
recently someone on here took a screen shot or what ever and posted it online and found an answer that way. Good luck.

I took your picture and used Plantnet ( free app for plant identification) , it came back as American Pokeweed.

Oh goodness, smart people.

Looks like my hydrangea leaves. Lilac leaves are smooth.

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My Google search came back as a big daddy hydrangea. When I saw your picture, my thoughts were hydrangea. Google lense is a wonderful feature. I use it often for fabric. The picture on the right is the big daddy hydrangea. It will be interesting to see what it does grow.

Take your photo to a local plant nursery or garden shop and ask them. On the other hand, you may already have your answer. ;)