We bought a house last year, and there are three of these things (about 3' tall at this point) in one of the beds. I'm at a loss, so any help would be greatly appreciated!
Looks like Euphorbia. Does it ooze a white milky sap if you pull a leaf off?
I haven't tried, but from googling it does look exactly like pictures of Euphorbia lathyris - thanks!
I see that it's poisonous and is sometimes considered a weed. Is it something I should get rid of (we don't have small children or pets who might be tempted to nibble on it)?
It is often sold as a mole or gopher deterrant/repellant. I suspect its effectiveness is a bit over-rated :-)
A good many different types of euphorbias are sold as garden ornamentals - all have caustic sap and varying degrees of toxicity. Your Christmas poinsettia is a type of euphorbia.
Thanks. I like its slightly odd look, so I'll keep it and not touch it!
I don't consider it a weed in my garden. A sister (E. marginata) IS! And won't ever plant that in my garden.
I had some like yours, let all seeds drop in the fall and ... just one tiny seedling in the spring.
I am deliberately sowing more seeds!
It does have a nice look about it!