Question
Can you tell me what kind of plant this is? I did not plant it, it just started growing 3 years ago, and is reaching the top of my house.
In the winter, the leaves turn yellow and both the stem and leaf will fall off, just leaving the branch.
It has a kind a sticky feeling, this might be because, it is growing at the base of the water hole from the drain off water from the washer, it has thrived off of Hot or cold water, bleach, Ect"
What is this thing?  

Answer
Jackie,

That tree is a Paulownia, or Empress Tree.  It makes a very large tree with large clusters of purple flowers.  It is a really nice tree, but it is rather short lived.  10 or 15 years at most, but in that time it can get well over 30' tall.

Have you seen the promo adds in the paper advertising the "World's fastest growing tree"?  That's the Paulownia.

Good Luck,

John