Once upon a time, this plant was classified with the asters, and the still-used common name reflects that. In more recent times it has been placed with the goldenrods (Solidago), but older field guides will still show the old taxonomy of Aster ptarmicoides. It is a beautiful, medium-sized native plant, which grows around the Ottawa region, though not abundantly. It likes open rocky areas. This was photographed at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden in the Backyard Garden's rockery. It makes a beautiful late summer garden plant and it is surprising that it is not more widely grown.