Identifying features of
solidago spectabilis include the narrow, hairless leaves, the panicular inflorescence, and the preference for moist habitats. Plants produce up to ten stems, generally hairless, with leaves at the base and all along the stem, persistent at flowering.
Flowerheads are arranged in narrow, elongated clusters, of between 60 and 100, often one-sided, especially towards the tip; clusters are typically 12 inches long and 3 inches wide. The lanceolate phyllaries are in three or four rows, hairless, pale yellow-green. There are between 11 and 15 short, narrow ray florets and from eight to 22 yellow disc florets.