This is a widespread variable species of east-central states, usually in mesic to subxeric woods on base-rich soils. Closely related species tend to occur on more acid soils (elliptica, serrata, incana and perhaps saxatilis). S. ovata differs from those species as follows (F, Y, W): principal mid-stem leaves broadly truncate to cordate (versus cuneate or truncate), the petioles long and unwinged (versus short or winged); stems and petioles usually with spreading or retrose glandular hairs (versus short glandular or eglandular hairs or none); lateral lobes of corolla almost equalling the short upper lip (versus much shorter than the upper lip); the throat lacking a ring of hairs (versus present). Variation within ovata was detailed by Epling (1942), but has been dealt with in different ways by subsequent authors. Using F and Cr, most plants in Ky. have been referred to the largely midwestern var. versicolor (Nutt.) Fern., which has relatively broad leaves (8-12 cm versus 5-8 cm) and short bracts, compared to more southwestern plants that have been known as var. ovata or var. bracteata. However, recent revision by B.A. Sorrie et al. (W) has indicated that the type of ovata should be included with versicolor rather than bracteata. Further study is needed in the state, and some colls. mapped here should probably be transferred to bracteata. Also, using Epling and Cr, some colls. that have stems with relatively sparse eglandular (versus dense glandular) hairs have been treated as var. calcarea (Epling) Gleason (including ssp. pseudovenosa Epling). Epling and Cr distinguished that taxon in Ky., Tenn. and N.C., but F and W have included it within var. versicolor.