Heads in thyrsiform arrays, proximal branches ascending. 2n = 18, 36, 54.

Flowering Jul–Sep. Fields, meadows, thickets, and open woods, along streams and rivers, roadsides; 0–2800+ m; Alta., B.C., Man., N.B., N.W.T., Ont., Que., Sask., Yukon; Alaska, Ariz., Calif., Colo., Idaho, Mont., Nev., N.Mex., Wyo.

Variety lepida can be difficult to distinguish from Solidago elongata in the Cascades and coastal areas of southern British Columbia and Washington. Involucre height increases with ploidy level. Diploids from Alaska, the Yukon, and northern British Columbia are typical; the few diploids known from Colorado are similar to diploids of var. salebrosa. The distribution across boreal Canada needs additional study.