My guess would be primrose.

I thought I saw a post here earlier in the week where you asked about planting out Pasque Flower and then the post disappeared? Was it my imagination? :O) If not, you should be able to plant out now since this is a very hardy plant. Mine are flowering right now, winter sown 2 years ago. They are the first flowers in my gardens this year and they are very pretty!!

I have to agree with Gardenweed on the above. Looks like Primrose.

I agree ... primrose ... specifically Oenothera elata hookeri aka tall evening primrose ... it showed up in my garden, too, out of nowhere ... before researching, I just called it "yellow bells on a stalk" ... very pretty even when not in bloom ... research tells me that it's a "pioneer" plant, much like pine trees that begin a forest before hardwoods move in and will persist (reseed) if not crowded out by other natives/plantings ... biennial/perennial herb that attracts butterflies and other pollinators ... I have quite a stand of them and I coddle each one ... so pretty ... enjoy

Barbara in Virginia

Tiffy, I did post about Pasque Flowers and thanks for the info. I thought it strange that I did not get any replies, but I suppose it did disappear. Mine did not overwinter. I planted them out late in the fall with my other perennials and I know they should be in bloom now - I've seen some in the neighbourhood, but I just have a bare patch in my rock garden. I love them so much - will just have to try again.

Thank you ladies for the identification. I have planted Primulas before and I guess that's what it reminded me of. I wonder where it came from? Today, it sent up two scapes with buds on the ends so I am sure Barbara is right on the money. I think I will enjoy this little gift - Nature is grand sometimes.

CORRECTION
After looking up Oenothera elata hookeri as Barbara suggested, I realized that I already have that very near to the specimen. I have always called it Evening Primrose (Oenthera) and it does have a rosette form, but the leaves are smooth and have a reddish tinge at this time of the year. I am in the process of removing them from that location because it is not sunny enough to produce a good show and they are always very late. I have a beautiful patch in full sun that I look forward to each sprig.
BUT, I am sure the specimen is Primula vulgaris, especially now it has sent up a stalk with buds. I am very puzzled by its appearance. I had a habit of buying a few of them from Home Depot each Mother's Day, and putting them in the ground in the summer, but they never survived. The last time I did that was in 2003, because I recall putting them in the ground after my father had died, before leaving for his funeral. That seeds could survive that long is amazing. I have found out how to collect seed from them and I will see if I can form a nice collection of them. Wonder what colour it will be? They are so pretty - it'll be nice to have them in the garden.Thank you all.
Northerner.

I agree. Primrose.
Here is one of mine in full bloom right now.
{{gwi:371706}}
Mine is Crescendo Golden Primula.
Tammy

Oh, this is lovely!! Yellow is my favourite colour and this is just stunning. I'm really excited now to see what colour mine is. Thanks so much, Tammy.

Your welcome. This is the second yr for me with that. last yr I dont remember it blooming so much. The yellow almost glows. I have a pic of a purple one with yellow center on my blog. Its just night quite as tall as this.
Tammy