The Giant Goldenrod is an upright, smooth perennial with a rhizome (underground stem from which new growth emerges). Preferred habitat is fields, roadsides, clearings and stream banks.  Distribution is throughout the Escambia region.

Leaves are alternate on the stem; consisting of one whole part.  The lower leaves are stalked; tapering and pinched. The upper leaves clasp the stem, are also widest at the middle, and form an angle either left or right, tapered and pinched. The leaf margins are toothed and the base is wedge-shaped.

Flowers are a panicle of heads; the disc flowers are bisexual in nature and symmetrical in form.  The ray flowers are female and yellow.  Flowers occur in the autumn.

Fruit is a seed which outer layer is fused to it (achene).

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