Seems too hairy for Symphyotrichum laeve. Sure seems to fit the description of Symphyotrichum novae-angliae.

Not New England aster, though I'm not sure what it is. Any flowers or buds?

Molanic, those lower, cordate leaves suggest that you're in the right group, but Symphyotrichum sagittifolium is now listed as S. cordifolium. It's tough to ID asters from photos. If the upper stems are sparsely hirtellus or pilose, then it might be S. cordifolium (in your area). If the upper stems are densely hirtellus to hirsute, then consider S. drummondii (also in your area). The other eastern US asters in that group are listed in the following excerpt from Alan Weakley's key. Note that Alan recently told me that pasting his information into posts is okay, as long as credit is given. If you have problems reading the text, just click on it for a larger version.

"Please know that plants bought at home depot, walmart, costco etc are typically genetically modified and thwart pollination and diminish species." Oh for heaven's sake - what nonsense!! Many of the same suppliers who stock local independent retail nurseries and garden centers stock the box stores as well. If you have any reputable evidence to the contrary, I would very much like to see it. btw, genetic modification as you refer to it is a hugely expensive process that is reserved for large commercial agricultural crops - the big money makers, not some poncey little flowers!!