Hi All,

Got this photo from a friend in the Chicago area.

Not sure what it is (sorry for the grainy phone photo quality). It doesn't look like it's bloomed yet. Not sure if it's speckled nature is a disease or nutrient deficiency or normal for this species. Based on the stem, leaves and flower bud, makes me think a Sunflower or something at least in the Sunflower/Asteracea family.

Thanks for any help!

Vernonia of some kind maybe?

Thanks, janinilulu!

Vernonia is what the leaves kind of look like to me too. I'll go in that direction and see what happens once the flowers do open.

Take care!