Dear Experts (including newly crowned expert)

Can someone please identify this flower/plant please ?

Usually grows to over 3ft usually 4ft or slightly higher.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/zpk/4755883266/

Tubular stem that becomes brittle and easy to
break in autum/winter.


It was given to my father many many years ago
and he's forgotten its name. The person who
gave it to him "is not available to comment"
anymore.