Ironweed, Vernonia sp.?

Here is a link that might be useful: Missouri Ironweed

might be, I suppose. But the budding/blooms don't quite look similar. Thanks, though

Look like echinacea to me, the North American 'Hedgehog'!

It's probably Vernonia gigantea which is native to your area.

Here is a link that might be useful: Vernonia gigantea

It definitely looks like a species of Vernonia.

Thank you. It's difficult to tell because it isn't in bloom yet, but from Googling vernonia gigantea I did manage to find a few photos that look very similar to mine.

Perhaps a clearer, 'up-close' picture of the flower might help!

I agree, looks like Vernonia.

don't know if it'll help, but here are some pics of Vernonia noveboracensis.
before bloom and start of bloom.

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That's it! That's exactly it (except for the fact that mine is of Jack and the Beanstalk proportions.) Thank you all so much for your help.