Originally I thought this was Woodland Sunflower (Helianthus), but the petals look way too short and I don't think the stalk looks like this. The leaves are very rough, and the main stalk has papery ribs running lengthwise. Any ideas?
That looks and sounds exactly like it! When I saw some of the smaller plants (without blooms) nearby I thought they might be ironweed, and one of the common names for this plant is "yellow ironweed". thanks!