Hello everyone. I want to put in a word about a new feature at IHeartGardening. On the front page I've added a "Gardening Question" section. It's meant to be a very simple way to ask a quick question and encourage quick comments on peoples' questions. Anyone can submit a question with a photo and anyone can comment; no account or login needed. Take a look if you have an extra minute or two.

quick first thought mullien of some sort?

Yes this is a Verbascum (common name is mullien). Would need to see the flowers close up to tell what variety.

I'm with you on the mullien guess...once the spike blooms out, should be easier to confirm---send us a blooming repost then too, Susan!

How about one of the many Fox Glove varieties???
Just a thought to get the brain cells working. QQQ made a good point...flowers would be more helpful.

yeah, both are in the same family (Scrophulariaceae) so they could have similar general leaf shape or growth habit, but that little fuzzy spike its a dead give away, and the flowers will be regular (not little dragon heads)Definitely a Verbascum species, maybe thapsus (Great, or Whooly Mullein). They can be troublesome weeds, but quite impressive. I always let a handfull get really big in the back of garden :P The yellow is nice in late summer

Thanks folks. These aren't common here in central texas, so it was a mystery to me. Apparently this plant has a long history of medicinal purposes, but I don't think I'll be making tea any time soon!

Back in the days of torches people dipped them in tallow and burned them so they could see in the dark

Isn't this really a weed and not a flower?