[5] It is primarily found in areas of woodland openings, such as outcrops or clearings.

Solidago arguta is a tall fall-flowering perennial.

It can be distinguished from similar goldenrods by its broad basal leaves that are lightly pubescent to hairless, which decrease in size towards the apex of the stem.

[4] This species is host to the following insect induced gall: external link to gallformers Four varieties are recognized by most authors.

They are:[2][4][6] Due to its morphological distinctiveness and narrow geographic range, some modern taxonomists treat variety harrisii as a full species (named Solidago harrisii).