This small tree of northeastern regions is rare in Ky., with records generally coming from cool sites near cave entrances, in narrow ravines, or at high elevation. Several records are dubious or obscure, needing further verification; a record from MASO (MDKY) is rejected due to probable labelling error. The only plants that have been fully documented since 1990 are in CART, ELLI, MENI and PULA; see also KSNPC database. With leaves alone, distinction from rubrum is generally possible as follows (F, W): blades usually with spreading, distinctly acuminate lobes (versus ascending, acute to acuminate); pubescent on lower surface (versus largely glabrous or pubescebt). Winter buds are stalked (as in pensylvanicum), with 2-4 valvate scales (versus sessile with 4-10 imbricate scales).