Aster or golden rod?

Is the choice just between those two?

To my eyes it looks like some type of Ruellia/Wild Petunia. Maybe R. strepens? R. caroliniensis?
(These are guesses.)

Maybe aster - Symphyotrichum

It could be something else. I cleared an area earlier this spring and this is coming up all over. Those are just the two I remember last fall. We moved in last July.

It's a goldenrod. Hard to say which species at this point. It appears to be one of the rhizomatous species, but that doesn't narrow the possibilities much.

Solidago has a light and delicate leaves, more hairy, long and narrow tip

Penstemon?

The leaves on the plant in question are alternately arranged. Penstemon leaves are opposite.

I still go with a goldenrod species, but for me, it's too early to tell for sure.

I think it is Golden Rod as well. I have them show up all over my gardens here. I learned by leaving them to flower what the young foliage looks like. Once they get their roots under your other perennials you will be fighting them forever so if you don't want them where they are get them out quick!