This is an uncommon species from mid-Atlantic to upper mid-western states (Va. to Minn.), usually on somewhat base-rich soils. In Ky. it is known only from thin woods and glade margins in foothills of the eastern Knobs, generally on or near dolomitic soils. P. languida has been treated as a species (F, W), subspecies (FNA 24), or insignificant variant (K) of saltuensis. P. saltuensis is a more widespread plant of northeastern states and adjacent Canada, often on more acid soils; languida occurs along its southern and western borders.