An east coast halophyte, first collected in Michigan in 1978 in Wayne Co. (Reznicek, 1980) and spreading along expressways where salt accumulates in the soil, and habitats such as fly ash deposits and other disturbed saline areas.

Doubtless much more widespread along highways than collections suggest, this is a very showy species, notable also for being quite tall (up to 2 m) except in the most extreme sites. It blooms very late, not reaching peak flower until mid-october in southern Michigan.

The leaves are thick, almost succulent in texture, making this an easily recognized goldenrod even when out of bloom.