Solidago gigantea is a perennial herb, 25 cm to 2 m tall, colonial from long rhizomes, stems smooth with a whitish-waxy bloom.
Leaves alternate, 6-17 cm long, 1-4.5 cm wide, lance-shaped, pointed at both ends, 3-veined, margin toothed, no stalk (sessile), upper leaves smaller.
Flowers yellow, of two types in small heads, rays 10-17, disk flowers 6-12, base of flower heads 0.4 cm long; inflorescence branched, from a central axis, branches curved with flowers along one side; Aug.-Sept.
Fruit dry, a seed-like achene, plumed, wind dispersed.
Wetland status: FACW.
Frequency in NYC: Very infrequent.
Origin: Native.
Habitat: Open moist soil.