Seaside goldenrod
Solidago sempervirens var. sempervirens

This plant grows on the coast of Brevard County, although it usually occurs from Canada to Virginia.  The tall flower stalks can reach eight feet and the leaves make a compact clump.   

It blooms in November and the stalks can be kept shorter and branched by periodic tipping.  Any dry soil will do. This is nice mixed with other seaside plants, especially Spiderwort. 

There is a smaller variety, mexicana found from Southern New York to Florida and west to Texas. This blooms in October and other times of the year and has smaller leaves and a shorter flower stalk. 

This variety makes a nice low clump that may be three or more feet in diameter.