Thanks for pointing me to the guide, Miz_G -- I've bookmarked it for future reference. I think you may be right. Now that I think about it -- and am embarrassed to say! -- I may also have cast some TW seeds in that bed two years ago, but not since. Kinda cool if, even after two years, these seeds can still germinate.

Wouldn't you know it, this spring I'd already purchased several TWs to keep up with my first batch of monarchs. And I've got ~ 5-8 cuttings rooted and ready to transfer in the next week or two; will need to protect them in this heat! Oh, well. No new variety, but at least I'll be plenty ready for the fall migration south!

Thanks again for taking the time.

It looks like gomphrena 'Fireworks'. Did you have any of that around last year?

Oh, don't I wish, briaustex! :) Fireworks is on my list to look for as I'm out and about. IIRC, this used to be readily available even at the big box nurseries -- I just haven't seen them around this year.

I've taken another couple of pictures, and it's really not looking like a tropical MW. This plant has more of a horizontal spreading quality than does the TMW, which grows more upright (I think). This is a top view (X-ed out upper right is a separate plant:

I noticed this morning hairlike somethings (air roots), circled:

Does this help anyone ID? I'll report back if/when it flowers.

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I removed my little shade cover to snap this one. Look familiar to anyone?

...from the same 'milkweed patch'. Thanks!

Maybe a Butterfly Milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa?

Possbily, Miz_G -- I did have a couple of A. tuberosa in that bed last fall (and one plant returned). It's just odd to me that a milkweed seedling, germinated from seed in ground, can't tolerate any amount of sun.