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The observed plant appears to be a goldenrod. It was growing within a dense colony of Solidago ptarmicoides (Oligoneuron album), a plant very common at this location. The plant was the same height as O. album and stood out only because of the flower color. I was unable to find any morphological differences between the stem and leaves of the observed plant and three typical neighbouring plants of O. album. My best guess is that it is either an aberrant form of or a hybrid of O. album. This taxon is known to form hybrids with other Oligoneuron species but none of these occur at this location. Perhaps someone with a deeper knowledge of goldenrods can provide some insight.

I assumed the species was already known from the area, it is so conspicuous and was right along the trail. I found it in at least another place closer to the parking, but I didn't take any pictures assuming it was common.