In The Garden: Very tall plant

At first, because of the red stalk beginning, I thought this was rhubarb, but the leaves are pointed.

This thing is at least six foot tall and still growing! The stalk is fiberous. Does anyone know what this is?

Thanks!

 

Rudbeckia laciniata?
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=rula3

 

As far as I know, this does not flower. I usually chop it down before it gets 3' tall! Right now it's at least 6'!

 

It will flower if given the right conditions (and isn't cut back).

 

I'm going to let it go this year, but I can't imagine that it will flower at all. We'll see.

The leaves look similar, but it makes me question if this is the same plant. I've let it go before and have not had flowers on it.

The stem is quite thick at least 1/2" at the bottom.

 

Species has no way to reproduce and spread efficiently if it never flowers. There is still plenty of time for this specimen to come into bloom and set seed before winter.

 

oak-a-lee doak-a-lee. Thank you very much!