What is this?

[ladymalfoy]

Been growing for a while? Not sure what it is. Do we leave it or pull it?

It looks like ligularia, does it have yellow flowers?

Oh thanks. It looks like it might have when they come out. We didn't plant it so we think it's been left by the birds. I cut one back about three months ago and it had yellow oily sap. So we thought it might be rape because there are several fields off it near by.

Will look it up.

Close up of leaves and flowers.

I think it's Macleaya

Oh definitely a real plant, my mum has just given me one. Can't remember the name, will ask her. (I will try and remember to look at the label tomorrow, mum is organised and always labels plats she gives me)

It grows very tall 4-5' and I thought the flowers were pink? But not sure.

been outside to check and it is macleaya

Steppemum you are better than GQT! Just googled it and it is! We have 3 growing so we will leave them alone.
Thanks.

Mum was here today, and planted mine (which I have failed to do since she gave it to me 2 weeks ago

She said the flowers are pale yellowish/straw coloured

It is apparently slug proof, so it just became my favourite plant!

That would explain the nibble free leaves!