I think it may be a Helenium of some sort. Do you happen to have a copy of Newcomb's Wildflower Guide? It is a really great reference that breaks the ID down into the parts of the plant. The only drawback is that the plant must be in flower to try to identify it. I used the guide and narrowed it down to Helenium. Then I googled online just to see if I could find that great stem. Helenium does match that type of stem in some varieties. I couldn't find any particular variety that matched the stem and that unbelievably gorgeous flower. That is one great plant you have there!

Here is a link that might be useful: Helenium stem

That stem on the helenium looks exactly like my plant. Funny thing is I have tried to grow helenium here before and they were attacked by every bug known to man and didn't live long.
I will do some more research. Thanks for the help.

I will try to find the white scabiosa looking plant too.

Could it be Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus)?

Patti

I think it is verbesina alternifolia, yellow ironweed.

It was identified on the Ozark Forum and I believe they are right after comparing pictures. I had never heard of this one!

I am going to save some seeds and hope it doesn't turn out to be a thug like the white snakeroot I brought in from the field.

I'm glad they were able to give you a positive ID. That is an outstanding plant!

Take a look at this website. It has great information on your "Wingstem" wildflower plant.
It is very 'naughty' about making l-o-n-g root rhisomes and spreading. It will colonize into a huge mass of plants, so watch out!

~Annie

Here is a link that might be useful: Wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia)