downy goldenrod, Solidago puberula

Can there be a more perfect flower than goldenrod? They dot the landscape with gold, or often absolutely cover it in their season. When we see those fields of gold, it's impossible to not join in their celebration. Get a little closer and they are marvels of floral architecture, with varieties of stems and fronds covered with color. Closer still reveals fascinating golden stars, each composed of still smaller individuals. A wonderful allegory of the power of coming together to achieve great things. Downy goldenrod grows in AL, CT, DE, FL, GA, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WV, NB, NS, ON, PE, and QC. McMinn Co TN, 10/18/15. Aster family, Asteraceae.