I've seen this plant before in the wild and it seems to like disturbed areas. It has some succulent features but is fuzzy like thistle but softer. This one I see growing on top of a 3' or so slab of concrete with nothing but a little coal dust on top.
Looks like a dirty lambs ear
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/82233/
Verbascum thapsus.
I agree with Altagardener, here in UK we call this Mullein, it grows in the wilds here on soil where there has either been old buildings removed and just rubble left or grows on sandy soil with very little nutrients, it's a perennial and will come back again next year, all of a sudden this plant in your picture will send up tall bright yellow flowers that bee's and other pollen eating insects love, some people grow them in large borders too.
Hope this helps, good luck. WeeNel.
Yes, mullein is the common name for Verbascum species. This particular species is European introduction that occurs very widely across North America.
