This variety is known mostly from xeric calcareous sites in c. Tenn., c. Ky. and s. Ind.; also, some plants in Ill., Mo. and Ark. have been considered at least transitional from var bifida to var. cedaria (Y, NS; Cypher 1993). In Ky. var. cedaria is known only from a cluster of several populations on clifftops of narrow points along the Kentucky River Palisades, and also a few populations along major rivers in the Mississippian Plateaus: Green Rv. in HART and perhaps EDMO (Faller 1973); and the Ohio Rv. in MEAD (M. Hines, pers. comm.). Cyper (1993) stated: "Phlox bifida ssp. bifida occurs in prairies, savannas, and forests on a wide variety of soil types and substrates. Many populations of P. bifida ssp. bifida exist, and this subspecies is not in danger of extinction. Phlox bifida ssp. stellaria [= var. cedaria];is endemic to limestone and dolomite and occurs in cedar glades as well as in rocky forests. Approximately 23 populations of P. bifida ssp. stellaria are extant, and many are in danger of destruction from human activities. Thus, P. bifida ssp. stellaria warrants listing as a threatened taxon." Var. cedaria is distinguished by eglandular inflorescence, and sometimes with less dense pubescence, but there is much variation in pubescence, flower shape and color that needs to be studied further (F, Cypher 1993). The Palisades plants tend to have peak flowering about a week later than the HART plants (usually in mid- versus early Apr) ; to be paler, with occasional whitish forms, and more densely pubescent (especially on pedicels); glands are completely lacking in the Palisades plants but a few may be present on pedicels of the HART plants.