I don't grow it but I know the leaves are long and narrow with a serrated edge. If you Google Physostegia virginiana + leaf there might be a few images you could see that would give you some idea of what you've got coming up.

I grow it. It's pretty hardy, so chances are it's coming back bigger and badder than before. It spreads, too. Haven't checked to see if mine's sprouting yet.

Here's a few ID photos for you. Click on them to see larger versions.

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If you still have any of last year's dead stems attached, check them and they should have a square cross section. All mint family plants (and that includes Obedient Plant) have square stems.)

Lynda

Lynda, your helenium grandchildren have just started to sprout in the last few warm days. They were the last of my measly 9 jugs to pop.

Karen

thank you! i think the plant survived and was not over taken by weeds :) happy day! it really does spread!