This plant returns every year, next to a garage in our back yard. The stem is almost fuzzy. It has a main stalk that can reach 3 to 4 inches across when I cut it down at the end of summer. I have researched elephant ear, castor bean and cottonwood. It doesn't appear to be any of those. I reaches about 10 feet tall. It starts early in the spring and grows very rapidly. I live in north Alabama. The backs of the leaves are a bit fuzzy as well. I can submit additional pictures if needed. Thank you, in advance, for any help.
Thank you SO much for the info!! I have researched it and find that what I thought was just a wild weed, is a tree with beauty and a story!!! How amazing is that!
But also not something that you want in that location so close to the shed! And additionally, listed as an invasive weed tree in your area.
The invasive aspect you can deal with by continuing to treat it the way you've been doing. If you cut it down every fall (in its better location), it won't flower, so no fruits to get distributed around. The leaves will get an impressive size, much larger than on the tree if you were to let it grow.
