this came up in my coastal virginia garden and I don't know if it is something I should cultivate. thanks for any help

Hi carramsey, to All Things Plants!

I'm not very good at comparing photos for identification but it reminds me somewhat of Swamp Bay: http://www.carolinanature.com/...

Another that looks similar is Fetterbush: http://www.carolinanature.com/...

I'm sure other members who are more knowledgeable with plants in your part of the country will pop in with suggestions before long!

thanks, will check links. should have added that currently it is only about five in. tall and each leaf is about that length

@dave, can you move this to the Plant ID forum for more input?

carramsey

It looks to me like Carolina Buckthorn http://www.wildflower.org/gall...

It could be an Avocado tree..I often have them sprouting in my garden, (I like to eat them! ) some even make through the winter..
Avocado (Persea americana)

I think this is the best possibility. I always try to take avocado seeds out of material for the compost but I don't think my husband does. So, that may explain it. Looking at seedling pictures, some have leaves where the veining alternates, others directly oppose. So I'm still not sure.

Look at Litsea aestivalis. (?)