This perennial diploid (2n = 22) is widespread in eastern states, but largely restricted to thin woodlands and grasslands on dry acid soils. Colls. from BELL (B), BREA (NCU, D.W. Smith #1682), CALL (NCU, L.G. Hickok #434), CRIT (NCU, O.E. Hunter #1924), LIVI (NCU, R. Athey #253) and perhaps elsewhere may be referred to the relatively southern var. puncticulosum (Michx.) Torr. & Gray. The only reported diagnostic character for this variety is as follows (F): "stem finely and usualy densely [upcurved] incurved-uncinate on angles, at least below" (versus densely to sparsely spreading-pilose); leaves with pubescence incurved-uncinate (versus straight-hairy). Further assessment of that taxon is needed in Ky. and elsewhere (W).