Like all goldenrods, this native perennial species is a member of the aster family. Unlike other common goldenrod species, it has flowers in a flat-topped cluster, rather than a plume. These are mildly fragrant and have 12-25 ray florets in a composite flower head. Each flower head is only about 1/8 inch in diameter, smaller than many other goldenrods. The flowers bloom gradually with the older flowers turning brown, while others are still in the bud stage.

The plant grows 1-4 feet tall and is found in damp places, thickets, and along roadsides and stream banks. It prefers full sun. It can often tolerate dry soil and is drought-resistant. It is seldom branched except near the top. It can form colonies by spreading rhizomes .

This species is found from Canada to the deep south in the eastern 2/3 of North America and is quite common. It blooms from July to October. The alternate leaves are narrow with 3-5 parallel veins, though the smaller leaves may have fewer. The similar fragrant goldenrod (S. tenuifolia) has only a single vein in its narrower leaves.