Solidago altissima, Tall Goldenrod grows from 2 to more than 6 feet and is an open land species generally found on drier soils (especially disturbed areas), but will tolerate moist soils and just about any soil type.  Height of the plant is determined mostly by the fertility and moisture content of the soil. It is a strong competitor in part to alleleopathic compounds it produces in the garden and grasslands it grows naturally in. Flowers appear in late summer through fall and are attractive to bees, birds and butterflies.
 
Native throughout NC. Click to view its range in North Carolina.
 
More info here