By Stevedownie
United Kingdom 
I have this plant growing in a border and I do not have a clue whether it is a weed or one of the various seeds I may have planted! Can anyone help with identifying it? It has a thick stem, with pitioles that feed off to large leaves and they are hairy. There is no flower yet. Thanks
I appreciate your comments - the Malva Sylvestris looks the likely winner as the leaves are different to the Castor Bean. Just have to wait for the flowers (and hopefully no tubers invading my bed with some new voracious weed!) Karenm - it does feel like it would come up easily on a first tug so you have given me hope!!
18 Jun, 2011
Answers
My first reaction is that it is a true Castor Bean (Ricinus communis).
19 Jun, 2011
I would be inclined to agree with Tugbrethil. I believe the plant is very poisonous. I have never grown it but the picture looks familiar.
Karenm, love your words about the rule of thumb.
Clementine
19 Jun, 2011
Its Malva sylvestris. Quite nice deep pink typical Mallow flowers.
19 Jun, 2011
yeah does look like a malva but has larger leaves than ive seen before but should be flowering now mine are
19 Jun, 2011
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I don't recognize your plant, but the rule of thumb is this: Give it a good jerk. If it comes out easily, it was a valuable plant. If it stays put, it's likely a noxious weed.
Seriously, I've had your problem more times than I'd care to admit.
19 Jun, 2011