And when you come back, since this is your friend's plant, where is it located? Unless you say otherwise, we assume it is in your location (IL). Also - any flowers to describe?

Thanks, Bob. Zelkova serrata (Japanese zelkova) looks like a close match. The branch angles and bark description fit, but there may be differences in the leaf and twig description. Some descriptions online say Zelkova serrata should have acuminate leaf shape, and I wonder if this mystery tree has leaves pointy enough for that description. Also, the Zelkova serrata twig is described as brown and zigzag, while the mystery tree has gray, straight twigs. I've attached a new photo from a branch that may show more detail. (Also, as a side note, I learnt a new word today: lenticels. Great word!)

Hi & welcome, I wouldn't worry about keeping brugs around pets. My cats, dog, bird and rabbits don't bother them. The only pet that even goes near them is the lizard and he doesn't eat plants. I think it's better to allow most brugs to go dormant over the winter. The only ones I keep growing are the variegated ones, some of the slower growing doubles, young plants and new cuttings. The rest get a rest. Dormant plants need cool, dim and dry conditions. Give them just enough water to keep the roots alive, about a cup a month is average, depending on the size of the pot. There's a couple nurseries and a couple Ebay sellers that I'd recommend. Country Garden and Seed Sprout nurseries. On Ebay there's Mark (from the forum), Eddiewayne and a couple others. I'd try to get a good size rooted plant. They might not be the cheapest but you get what you pay for in many cases. A decent size brug will be fine to go dormant next winter. I don't know if I'd allow a plant started from seed this year go dormant so soon. It depends on how big it gets. Fall is the best time to get cuttings. That's when most of us cut back our plants to get them ready for dormancy. Karyn

yes, it looks healthy - and those silver flecks on the leaves are normal. I have one that has new growth that comes in a burgundy brown color, as the leaves mature they will thurn green like the rest of the plant. I also have a carnosa that I damaged during repotting, and some of the new growth coming in at those points doesn't look great, but it will in time. As Gabi suggested, can you post pics of the part you are unhappy with?