I was thinking Doronicum too but didn't know whether it would would growing out in the woods. Also 1 1/2 inches seems a little small for the flowers but I've only seen it in gardens where it's well fed.

This exact plant mysteriously appeared in a low, swampy area of our lawn this summer. The foliage was lovely, with layers of lacy, open compound leaflets so I left it grow. When it exploded in cheery bright yellow daisy-like blooms I was thrilled! I studied multiple sites, and found it was the annual Bidens, also called Beggar ticks or Tickseed Sunflower. Birds often eat the seeds, so I think they deposited the seeds since we're a Backyard Wildlife Habitat. We can look forward to seeing more next year since they seed easily!

coreopsis? i think those are the ones i see blooming this time of year. i don't know the species- they are fine leaves like 'limerock ruby' and those type of cultivars. we have them here on buffaloe in garner, too. they are small- like 1 or 2' at most, and the flowers are small, too- about 1". neat appearance. if the plants are taller (2-3.5') with raggy orange cosmos type foliage and more of a blowsy shape they would probably be bidens. which is considered a weed, but i love them and grow them in my garden. BUT there are so many flowers that have that single yellow daisy flower that bloom right now, it's hard to sort out without a picture. the size and foliage is key.

Encelia californica