I don't think they're the same. Leaf shape and texture look different. And it's hard to see clearly but doesn't the seedling have opposite foliage?

Floraluk, yes you are right. I didn't notice that. As far as the texture I thought it was the leaves getting mature change. Do you have an idea what the seedling is then?

Sorry, no. I'm not familiar with what might grow where you are. Can you look around your property and keep an eye out locally for anything with opposite foliage and similar leaves? Maybe we could id that and work backwards.

Possibly, as seed leaves often look a bit different than those from a more mature tree. But, sure looks like the seedling has opposite leaves, which would discount the elm.

It seems that Chinese elm seedlings do start off opposite, if this site is correct ...https://blog.growingwithscience.com/2011/03/page/2/

Oh wow, it is Chinese Elm after all. That's what I figured, although I have one tree growing in a pot nearby that started a few years ago there is no large mother tree anywhere in the immediate area.