May be something that was growing in a greenhouse. What it is, I dunno.

Frangula (=Rhamnus) purshiana ?

Frangula purshiana (cascara) is on the approved street tree planting list, and I think it's one of the trees that the city would subsidize and plant upon request. But I think those city planted trees are much larger...I will keep an eye on this little tree, thank you.

Definitely Rhamnus purshiana (ugh, they changed the name!?). Those buds are a dead give away. I also bet that it was just in a greenhouse.

I went hiking yesterday and i saw this little sapling with some leaves and buds. My interpretation is that these are last years leaves that stayed on the plant all winter? The buds look different so probably a different species?

olreader, I guess it depends on what temps your winter has, but those leaves & stem look too "fresh" to be from last year.

Perhaps Friends of Trees are active this time of year and planted it from recent stock.

I'm not a fan of street trees in 3-foot parking strips, even approved trees will eventually affect the cement.