This is widely scattered across east-central states, including Ky. More robust plants with relatively small calices in central Appalachian regions have been named var. robusta Strausbaugh & Core. That taxon has been reported from Ky. but further review is needed to assess its status (Stausbaugh & Core 1978; W). S. virginica is epecialized for pollination by humming-birds, but there is also some visitstion by halictid bees and syrphid flies (Reynolds et al. 2009).