What is this?

Hi Guys

Brand new here, not really much of a gardener but I like the garden to look nice, so I try. When starting the weeding this year I found this already there, is it a huge weed or a plant? It look nice so I have kept it, but would be nice to know Thanks

 

Hi and welcome.
Is that Mullein, I'm not at all sure but somebody else here will be? http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/4DMG/Weed/mullein.htm If so, some people keep it as a flower (quite pretty) and others disdain it as a weed. I would keep it I think.

 

Eeeck! Definitely not Verbascum, common name Mullein!

It is Euphorbia lathyris.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Euphorbia lathyris.&rls=com.microsoft:en-US&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=obihUcTmHaXJ0AWdoIH4BA&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=975&bih=444

Be careful of the white sap it is toxic.

http://www.euphorbia.de/giftstart_e.htm

 

Another plant which will seed itself all over the place and then keep on appearing for years after.

 

Thanks Guys, should I get rid of it then do you think?

 

Certainly not!! I think it is a most wonderful plant, a botanical joy at least!

 

Well, put it this way, it was here when we moved 18 years ago and we have never allowed it to grow and still we get seedlings coming up. It is your choice.

 

Is that the same as a Caper Spurge?

Why is there something faintly indecent about the word Spurge?

 

There! I knew some of these wonderful people would be along to put you right soon.
I'd keep it but then, I can't bring myself to get rid of healthy plants. Big softy, me!