Seems unlikely, but miracles do happen. If it truly is a C. revoluta leaf (and, they are pretty distinctive, IMO), there is no real way to "prove" it came from your original plant one way or the other. But, it could happen, I guess. Most likely scenario, SHOULD such a thing have occurred, is that there was a small pup/offset at the base of the main, rotted plant that somehow survived the cold, survived in the compost dormant as you say, and grew when it got into a more favorable environment.

I guess I'd say this -- a pessimist would most likely dismiss this as an improbability, while an optimist would say it confirms the amazing will to live innate in all creatures.

Thanks!

Yeah, that's exactly what I said to my buddy, it must've been a miracle.

It would not have shocked or surprised me if this thing showed up a year or maybe even two after I discarded it, but for it to rise from the ashes 5 years later....just seems improbable but not entirely impossible. And yet as improbable as it seems, its the most likely thing that could have happened.

And yes, I agree, revoluta has very distinctive leaves, particularly compared to any kind of garden plant I ever planted and have ever grown in this area. That particular site is zone 7a, so C. revoluta is only really marginally hardy in those conditions. But anyway, based on the photo I was sent, I have no doubt as to the ID of the leaf.

yes, def. possible. how do you think they survived the earths freeze as dinosaurs could not... i have many that will come back after years for many many of reasons they are a super hardy plant! -Justin in VB

C revoluta does tend to adapt. I've had several planted in my yard for years. The first few years they lost all their leaves to the cold over winter and put out new leaves about May. Now they keep their leaves all winter.
(In fairness our area is warmer than 7a. We're on the border of 7b and 8a.)

They are zombies as they have ability to rise from the dead.