Flower:

Dense, semi-round to flat-topped clusters of 20 to 35 small, yellow flowers at tips of stems and branches throughout the crown. Individual flowers are cylindrical, 1/8 inch or less across with 15 to 25 minute, barely spreading rays (petals) and 5 to 10 central disk flowers.

Most heads are typically stalkless and the outside bracts are green at the tip, smooth or occasionally lightly sticky.

Leaves and stems:

Leaves are simple and alternate, narrowly lance-shaped to linear, 1½ to 5 inches long and 1/8 to ½ inch wide, with 3 evident veins on larger leaves and occasionally 2 additional obscure veins. The tips are gently tapered to a sharp point and the bases are stalkless. Surfaces are smooth or with very short, cilia type hairs, especially along the edges and major veins on the underside. Glandular dots (hand lens required) on the surfaces are sparse and obscure. Stems are mostly smooth except for thin rows of fine white hairs. Stems are unbranched on the lower stem but typically have few to many erect, leafy branches in the upper plant, creating a bushy crown.

Notes:

Grass-leaved Goldenrod can be distinguished from other Goldenrods (Solidago spp.) by its narrow leaves, bushier tops and typically smaller and more numerous flower clusters. This species is very similar and easily confused with Great Plains Goldenrod (Euthamia gymnospermoides), which is distinguished by its single prominent vein on the leaves, its smaller flower clusters with most flowers having short stalks, and its preference for drier prairie habitats. Some references list a few varieties of E. graminifolia but, according to Flora of North America, the differences are not consistent enough to be reliably separated and are therefore not recognized in Minnesota.