Stiff or Hard-leaved Goldenrod (rigida)

note the extremely rigid oval upper leaves,
which slightly clasp the stem
large, flat topped head
plant is densely hairy
1-5 feet
leaves: broad, feather-veined, and thick
leaves: lower ones large and rough, with long petioles
(leaf stalks, which may be longer than leaf)
flower relatively large
rays: 6-14
dry thickets, sandy soil, prairiess