This is a widespread eastern species but uncommon to rare in Ky., where it is usually associated with remants of native grassland on relative deep, medium-acid soils, often somewhat hydroxeric. Some of its largest populations are inside Fort Campbell, on cherty soils at the western side of the former Big Barrens. In vegetative condition, this species may be confused with stuevei (typical of drier sites). Also, hybrids with hirta (typical of more wooded sites) are known in other states, but not yet in Ky.