The species has been found in southwestern Oregon, east to the Black Hills of South Dakota, and as far south as México State in the central part of the Republic of México.

[7][8] Recent taxonomic treatments have expanded the concept of S. velutina to include S. californica and S. sparsiflora, long considered by many to be distinct species.

[3][6] These are now often treated as subspecies:[3] Another infraspecific taxon is also recognized by some authors:[1] Solidago velutina has a basal rosette of leaves that are still present at flowering time.

Each leaf has three prominent veins running from the base to near the tip.

[3] This species is host to the following insect induced galls: external link to gallformers