This rhizomatous perennial is widely scattered across northern states and adjacent Canada, but it is generally less common than true latifolia, which has been confused. Early reports of "latifolia" generally refer to vulgaris; see notes under latifolia. In Ky., the species is known mostly from the Bluegrass region, and it is unknown in Appalachian regions of Ky. but it does extend south along the Ridge-and-Valley and Blue Ridge to Tenn and N.Car. (K). The species has a long history of culinary use in Europe (Tardio et al. 2006).