Canada goldenrod occurs in most Kuchler Plant Associations. Canada goldenrod occurs in most SAF Cover Types. Canada goldenrod is not a serious weed in annual crops, and it seldom reaches densities that are a problem in rangelands. The response of Canada goldenrod to herbicides is affected by population age. In Quebec, a young population which had recently invaded a disturbed site was less susceptible to 2,4-D than an old, established population.
Alternate leaves surround the central stem with the larger leaves occuring on the lower stem.
Flowers are borne on numerous small flower heads. The flowers are self-incompatible and are pollinated by insects. One erect stem usually forms at a rhizome node. It can tolerate a fairly wide range of soil fertility and texture conditions, but is typically found in fairly moist soils. Canada goldenrod rhizomes are usually produced in late autumn and lie dormant during the winter months.