It looks like it could be tea (Camellia sinensis) but not sure. If so it should be cold hardy in zone 7 and higher and will have white fragrant blooms in the fall. I think there are some forms hardy in zone 6 and others only cold hardy to zone 8.

I'm not that familiar with Camellia sinensis but it doesn't look like the tea plants I've seen. But then again...?

Is there any smell if you pinch or brush the leaves? Any other clues -- the aunt's friend, is she from any country or nationality in particular? People around the world drink "tea" and knowing the nationality/ethnicity could help to narrow the field too.

FataMorgana

It doesnt have any scent on it.. We live in vegas.. Im not sure what country or nationality it came from.. The friend was growing it outside because it was summer.. Im not sure now

This post was edited by koalaing on Mon, Dec 29, 14 at 13:59

There is no distinctive odor with fresh tea Camellia leaves. I would treat it as a houseplant till you learn more. You may have to wait for it to bloom before you know with certainty. I would place it outdoors in partial shade once frost danger is over. It will certainly grow better outdoors during the warmer months. Tea blossoms are white with yellow centers and about an inch across. They are usually fragrant and typically bloom in fall. Bees find them irresistible.

The leaves don't look like Camellia sinensis. Are they fuzzy or is it just a fuzzy picture? Leaves on C. sisnensis are smooth and have way shorter leaf stems. What can be seen of the bark tells it's not C. sinensis. Can you post a better picture of the leaves and bark?

You might try re-posting your query in the Name That Plant forum here at Gardenweb...

It looks a little like my yerba mate. Tropical - grow it in a pot that you move inside over winter - or outside if you don't get freezes. It is used for tea.