there are so many different types of goldenrod that this is still a strong possibility. Where do you live? From what I read, Michigan has more varieties than most.
I once visited the Ford/Edison summer estate in Ft. Myers FL and they had a picture of a huge goldenrod that Edison was growing for rubber development. I tried to locate a picture of it online, but didn't have much luck.
Goldenrod (that I've seen) has more things coming off each "stem", than the one this picture shows.....
Hey - - ya gut yurself a big weed there!! (just joking)