This looks like a Eupatorium or Brickellia species. This plant has an alternate leaf arrangement. Most Eupatorium species have an opposite leaf arrangement, but a couple Eupatorium species switch from opposite to alternate arrangement near the top of the plants Brickellia euptoroides, the species I'm familiar with, has an alternate leaf arrangement. A photo of the entire flower from the base to the top is needed for a species ID. They all have fuzzy white tops that look identical. If you compare photos of both genera, you will notice the calyxes of Brickellia are noticeably longer.

Here is closer view of

the flower.

Is that really a flower? I thought it looked like a clump of lichen that had fallen into some sort of aster-like plant. I can almost image I see more bits on the ground in the top picture. Is this under a tree?

It looks like Brickellia eupatoroides. Guy Nesom did a new botanical treatment of Brickellia a few years ago, so without knwing your location, Im going with Brickella eupatoroides. I can't see the calyx, but the leaves are alternate and sessile with some slight serration. Your plant could be confused mostly with Tall Boneset but Tall Boneset, Eupatorium altissimum has strictly opposite leaf arrangement.

, Ok. I did a search of the entire tribe Eupatorieae and there's no species in Portland that comes close to it. The closest it gets is Eupatorium cannibinum and some Eutrochium, both which have opposite and whorled leaf arrangements. I don't know how it could end up in Portland but I'm sticking with B. eupatoriodes. Actually I do know people from around here, who moved to Oregon because they wanted a milder climate so they grow their houseplants outside. Thanks for the info gardengal! This shows why location is so important.

Here are 2 more views of the plant. Lots of buds waiting to bloom. It is growing the shade in between Abelia and a Deutzia. Yes under an old Stewartia(sp?).

I have a large clump with the same habit as yours. I take a pic of it tomorrow and compare it with your plants. Brickellia eupatoriodes has 6 varieties and there are significant differences between them. My plants are at the same stage as yours.

The leaf pattern matches my plant, but on the left,what looks like buds forming, looks questionable? Top down shots make it impossible the guage the whole flower. A side view of the flowers and buds, and the way they are attached to the stems, would be most helpful. Some plants can be easily ID'd from an above shot, but these thouroughworts are tricky. I can't post photos currently.