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I have a policy of letting unknown plants in my garden grow until I can identify them --- it makes it easier to know weeds when they're young if I can see what they grow into. The following has me stumped; details:

  • It's grown into a 6' behemoth with extremely fuzzy/furry leaves and stem/trunk
  • It sprouted tiny purple flowers last week
  • It is maybe nine months old, but most of the growth has taken place in the last month or so
  • I live near downtown Los Angeles

Based on its general structure I'm guessing it's some sort of tropical, but I have no solid knowledge one way or the other.

Plant profile; approximately 6 feet tall with large leaves; entire plant is fuzzy My hands are on the small side of average for a guy; these leaves are huge Tiny purple inflorescence; this is the only one on the plant, at the top; apologies for focus issues

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It is Solanum mauritianum, commonly known as Bugweed. Its a nightshade, and as such, all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.

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  • Thanks --- seems like a bad dude and might explain some rashes I've been getting in the yard lately. (there are reports of irritation from simply being near one of these)
    – kyle
    Apr 26, 2014 at 14:35
  • added a link to provide more info
    – kevinskio ♦
    Apr 27, 2014 at 13:38

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